Jennifer McMorries of Midland County joins the show to share her struggle to sobriety. Her story can give you hope after addiction and strength to break the cycle. Jennifer shares about her struggles and the kindness she received along the way. She shares about the people that inspired her and how she now uses her past experiences to help others. She is a living example of "paying it forward" and brave example of power of recovery.

Show links:

• Midland County Probation Department
• Midland County Drug Court
• Thriving United
• RISE24 (Conference)
• AllRise
• Texas Association of Specialty Courts

Judge Phillips of Grayson County joins Liz on The PodTASC for a discussion of his journey from his legal practice to policy work to the bench and beyond. He picked up the reigns as TASC President on March 27, 2024, and is ready to lead the statewide organization in its continued transformation from education-focus to impact-focus. From the heroes that inspired him to the best practices that he strives to always implement, Judge Phillips shares how Texas courts can lead the charge in recovery.

Show links:

• Grayson County Website, 59th District Court
• Texas Counseling Association
• Texas Association of Specialty Courts
• Judicial Commission on Mental Health
• Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team
• AllRise (Formerly known as National Drug Court Professionals)

Liz is back on The PodTASC to discuss the things you should know when creating a new program in Texas. Guest speakers are Erin Morgan, the current TASC Board President, and Amber Gregory, TASC Executive Director and Program Manager for the Specialty Court Resource Center. If you've been thinking about starting a treatment program in a court near you, this is the episode to listen to. Even if you already have a program, there are tips in this episode that can help you.

As promised, find links and information below about what was discussed in the show:

• Contact the show with comments or questions by emailing ThePodTASC@gmail.com.
• TASC is hosting its annual training conference on March 26-28, 2024, in Fort Worth. Registration opened January 5th. Learn more: http://tasctx.org/conference.html
• Learn more about the Texas Association of Specialty Courts (TASC) at http://tasctx.org/index.html.
• Learn more about the Specialty Court Resource Center: http://www.txspecialtycourts.org/index.html
• Learn more about SAHMSA Grants: https://www.samhsa.gov/grants
• Learn more about the Office of Court Administration: https://www.txcourts.gov/about-texas-courts/specialty-courts/
• Learn more about Criminal Justice Division funding: https://egrants.gov.texas.gov/
• Learn more about the Bureau of Justice Assistance funding: https://bja.ojp.gov/funding
• Learn more about the NPC Research Best Assessment: https://allrise.org/trainings/best-assessment-tool/