From Chaos to Stability: How Toni Thompson Rebuilt Her Life Through Drug Court

Photo courtesy of Toni Thompson, left.

Sometimes life is a twinkling, snowy white Christmas. At others, it’s a chaotic avalanche, upending everything in its path. For Toni Thompson, addiction and homelessness swept away more than 25 years of her life. To find safe, secure, stable footing she reached out to the Thurston County Drug Court program. Thompson has since established herself with a place to live, jobs which give back to the community, and a new appreciation for the small joys so many of us take for granted.

A convicted felon several times over, Thompson was facing a new prison sentence while living in places like the Jungle encampment off Martin Way. She truly found herself “at my wits end.” Her living situation, sobriety, and recovery options were running thin so she petitioned the courts to let her join the Strophy Foundation-supported program.

DUI/Drug Court helps eligible non-violent felony offenders break the cycle of substance abuse and crime. It promotes responsibility, accountability, and is a partnership between the client, recovery services, criminal justice partners, and behavioral health specialists. The program also helps with food insecurity, employment, educational resources, and even medical expenses not covered by insurance.

“In Drug Court, you’ve got people backing you right there,” says Thompson. “Compliance shows that you want something more. I begged the attorney for Drug Court because I needed to change my life and it helped me dramatically.”

She found temporary housing with the Salvation Army and soon started working for them with others in similar situations. Today she’s a shelter worker and emergency on call staff. She also works with South Sound Behavioral Hospital. Her lived experience provides a rare, vital service in often trying situations.

“I can really change the atmosphere of a room,” she explains, “because they know I’m not just there for a paycheck but I can relate to almost everyone who walks through the doors. I want to help people succeed, even if I just help one.”

Thompson has experienced self-harm, suicide attempts, addiction, and overdose. She’s spent time in jail, slept in doorways, and overcome abuse. But she understands that “you can offer all the help but they have to be ready to accept.” So, she spreads the word about Drug Court far and wide, helps program enrollees with their coursework, and supports them throughout the long journey to a new life.

Looking ahead, Thompson—now a certified peer counselor (CPC)—is thinking about continuing her studies to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) while also applying to become an Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC). She’s continued working with the Salvation Army for more than a year and is celebrating finally getting a driver’s license and car of her own.

“There are a lot of privileges we don’t really think are privileges until we get them,” admits Thompson. “Things like driving. But it’s been one year and eleven months since I started Drug Court and I’m proud that I’ve come pretty far.”

We can’t predict what storms may come, but having a stable, secure foundation means we’ll stand strong no matter what, especially with supporters at our side.

Update: Congratulations to Toni who received her AAC LICENSE today!