When Kelly Howard first engaged with the Smart Justice District Court Initiative, she was facing overwhelming challenges. Homeless and unemployed, Kelly was battling with mental health struggles, the lasting effects of her past substance use, and a lack of support in her life.
“It was hard to make sense out of the chaos and see a way forward,” she shared. She was seeking disability assistance, but the process was slow. On top of it all, Kelly was on probation, trying to rebuild her life with no driver’s license and few positive social connections. Relying on others for transportation often left her in situations she wanted to avoid.
Despite these hurdles, Kelly had a spark of hope. She had achieved some sobriety on her own and was determined to build a better life. The path was anything but easy, however. As Zac George, District Court Coordinator for the initiative, recalls, “Kelly had a lot of hurdles in her way. Though she was sober, her life wasn’t where she wanted it to be. She was close to giving up, feeling that every step she tried to take was met with a ‘no.’ I wanted to help her find that ‘yes.’”
With judicial guidance and her own persistence, Kelly began to see meaningful progress. She first found part-time work, then gradually transitioned to full-time employment. She became compliant with all court requirements and even managed to bring her outstanding fines up to date, an achievement that led to the reinstatement of her driver’s license—an essential step for her independence.
With support from community partners, Kelly received much-needed dental care, which boosted her health and confidence. She began regularly attending 12-step meetings, restructured her social circle, and found strength in faith and community. The support she found in groups like Celebrate Recovery at West Side Church of Christ, where her sister attends, helped solidify her sense of belonging. “Her community got better through connections in churches and recovery groups,” Zac noted.
Through these connections, Kelly discovered a new purpose. She started volunteering with Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Church Outreach, strengthening her support system and growing closer to her family, especially her sister and mother. The journey also brought new opportunities. Kelly was approved for housing assistance through the Russ Bus, which allowed her to move into her own apartment—the first time she’s had a place to call her own. Now, her grandchildren can visit her, fulfilling a cherished goal she had when she started with the Smart Justice District Court Initiative.
“The Initiative found me and gave me a guide that I could easily follow,” Kelly said. “Now, within six months, I’ve found my way again. I have achieved and accomplished so much. I’m found again and no longer lost or overwhelmed.”
As she reflects on her journey, Kelly feels inspired to give back. She’s shown interest in becoming a Peer Support Specialist to help others with similar struggles. Pope County District Court Probation Clerk, Victor Whicher, expressed immense pride in her progress. “Kelly is what the Smart Justice District Court Initiative is all about. She has shown a level of commitment and determination that most people never realize. In a lot of ways, Kelly has helped us just as much as she has helped herself. She’s shown us the impact we can have when working together with a common goal in mind,” he shared.
With her license reinstated, Kelly now dreams of becoming a truck driver. She’s working with Workforce Services to explore training and licensing, setting a new career path in motion. In every aspect, Kelly’s life has transformed. From homelessness to a home of her own, from relying on others for transportation to regaining her license, and from struggling alone to building a supportive community around her, Kelly has come full circle.
“I’m so grateful to the Smart Justice District Court Initiative,” Kelly shared. “It has done wonders for me that I never could have done alone. Just know, no one is alone.”
Kelly’s transformation is a testament to her resilience and the power of support. As she continues to move forward, her story reminds us all of the incredible strength found in community and the hope that, no matter where we begin, a stable and fulfilling life is possible.
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