The Foundation
Based in Olympia, the Strophy Foundation provides financial support and coordination to the Thurston County therapeutic court programs, including Veterans, Mental Health, Family Recovery, Safe Baby, and Drug/DUI court programs. The programs are supported by a combination of state, federal and grant funding and often experience “gaps.” The Strophy Foundation fills in these gaps with the goal that no participant of the court programs will experience failure due to lacking the proper shoes for a new job, childcare during an interview, or a GED certificate.
Thurston County therapeutic court participants are working hard to break the cycle of addiction and mental health issues in order to become productive members of society. The Strophy Foundation provides critical support by funding and coordinating gaps that are not met by government funding.
Strophy Foundation funding provides Thurston County therapeutic court participants with support that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Compliance monitoring technologies such as electronic home monitoring, and urinalysis screening.
GED testing and other educational fees.
Treatment that is not covered by court grants, like domestic violence prevention classes.
Job training expenses, like food handler classes and certifications necessary to obtain certain jobs.
Bus passes, childcare, haircuts, and interview clothes.
Modest rewards to celebrate successes.
Therapeutic experiences such as Healing Hearts Ranch sessions.
Drug Courts are the original model for Therapeutic Courts
All the therapeutic courts are modeled on the original Drug Courts. Many offenders re-offend as a result of drugs, resulting in re-incarceration. The Drug Court Program attacks the drug problem and offers an alternative to incarceration, to stop the revolving cycle.
The pioneers of the Thurston County Drug Court Program were a combination of attorneys, judges, and social workers who embraced the therapeutic model, sought funding and adopted a program model that was proven to be successful in locations nationwide.
The Drug Court model in Thurston County evolved to include therapeutic court programs for DUI, domestic violence, child safety, and veteran trauma. Each court program employs full treatment programs designed to help individuals overcome addiction or cope with mental health issues so they can establish fulfilling, successful and productive lives.
Judge Richard Strophy, Past-president Laurie Berryman, and Judge Brett Buckley of the Mental Health/Veterans Court. Judge Buckley is a veteran.
Meet Megan
Having grown up in a stable household, my drinking began after I was abused by a friend's brother. My drinking continued until I started using prescription pain pills for a back injury. During this time, my son disclosed to me that he was being abused by a family member. I gave my all and fought in court for several years, but my son was unable to openly testify to who his abuser was. From a mother's perspective, I had failed. Eventually, my drinking stopped and my tolerance and use of pain pills grew into a heroin and meth addiction. After several years of use, I picked up possession charges and was offered the Thurston County Drug Court program. In the beginning, my outlook on courts and the system was one of distrust and pure hatred. Throughout my time in Drug Court, I learned how to work through past traumas, take responsibility for my actions, identify and correct unhealthy thinking, learn acceptance and ultimately forgive myself. This program changed my life. I am a proud graduate of the Thurston County Drug Court Program and am now a productive member of society.
Education and Resources:
What is Moral Reconation Therapy?
Moral Reconation Therapy Implementation
EMDR for SAMHSA Trauma Informed Services
Journal of EMDR Practice & Research
History of the Trauma Treatment Program
At our 2019 Event, Judge Strophy relates how the Drug Court of Thurston County was established.
Jason Pospisil, past officer of the Strophy Foundation, tells his story of success in the Program.