When thinking of truly altruistic work, one thinks of first responders and military members. Safe Passage here in Taylorville is becoming the next frontier for helping struggling citizens. Safe Passage works behind the scenes to ensure a brighter future for those that struggle with addiction. Denise Evans, the Coordinator for Safe Passage in Taylorville came on the WTIM Morning Show to describe that changing the views on addiction will be a result of handling drug offenses in a different way. Denise Evans and Safe Passage want law enforcement and the community to know, addiction is not a crime, it is a disease.

Those that have made the choice to redirect their life with Safe Passage can enter the doors of a police station and not worry of being convicted of a crime for their drug use or possession. If someone has been convicted of a drug-related crime they have the option to use the Safe Passage resources, go through withdrawal periods while being watched by a medical staff, get the counseling and support they need, then finish their sentence, fully rehabilitated. 

People dealing with addiction often commit theft in order to have the capacity to keep their drug using habits alive. Alleviating the source of the issue, addiction will benefit overall crime in a community.

Safe Passage and their programs have only expanded. Beginning in 2019, Denise Evans and her team have reached out to police departments around the state to begin this valuable work. Denise Evans explains that the support does not stop when the rehabilitated person steps out of the jail.

Organizations like Safe Passage are making the world better one community at a time. The fully comprehensive and personal care that is made to those struggling with their own lives is admirable. Safe Passage looks to expand even further and make the process of real rehabilitation a reality for many. 

To contact Denise Evans, call 271-638-3247 or visit the website at, https://taylorville.net/wp-content/uploads/Safe-Passage-Information.pdf

Denise Evans appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.