From left to right, Charles Bobo Jr., Christopher Ware and Ricky Brown display their diplomas as graduates of the Hempstead County Sheriff's Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program.

On Friday, February 3, 2023, the first three participants of the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program graduated surrounded by friends, family and instructors, Charles Bobo Jr., Christopher Ware and Ricky Brown received certificates of completion of a 12-month Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program sponsored by the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office and Banner Hope.

A graduation ceremony was held at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall where they were presented certificates of completion for the 12-month program.

The RSAT program is a 12-month in custody Substance Abuse treatment program which is administered by the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office. The first 90 days will be at the Hempstead County Detention center with the remaining nine months of aftercare being held at Banner Hope. The goal of the program is to break the cycle of drugs and violence by reducing the demand for, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs in Hempstead County.

The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a grant in January 2022, in the amount of $355,693.00 for the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program. The grant period covers from January 1, 2022 to September 20, 2023.

Congratulations to the graduates.