News » Production In Focus- Full Circle: Recovery Takes a Community

Full Circle: Recovery Takes a Community

“DES-Breakthrough Series, Voices of Recovery”
written by Keith Smith

This spring the first of six “DES-Breakthrough Series, Voices of Recovery” TV show aired on Access Tucson in which the producer Keith Smith hosted and partners. Sponsored by the Department of Economic Security, the Breakthrough Series is all about having conversations with people. Individuals from the different DES divisions, community partners and consumers sat at the same table to talk about services: what works, what doesn’t and to try out small tests of change- intended to make a positive difference. Those discussions revealed amazing stories of recovery that along with suggestions for change became the basis for this TV show.
Each show of the six part series featured a guest telling their story of recovery. And as part of their story, a support guest was present to highlight specific aspects of the general topic being discussed. As topics were discussed, resources within our community were identified using AZ 211 online. And finally each show received a call in guest.

The entire series has been enthusiastically embraced by the recovery community, DES and now with the achievement of winning a WAVE award from the Alliance of Community Media, even more attention is being give to this series that tells the story of each persons road to recovery.

When to credits rolled on the sixth show there was a deep sense of accomplishment over what had been produced. Six voices were heard, each unique, some against insurmountable odds, yet all through desire, hard work and the support of family, friends, neighborhoods, people like a sponsor, a DES worker, a CPS case manager, an attorney, a judge, programs and services like 12 step, faith based group, behavioral health program, educational opportunity and a government service like Family Connections, each person found their recovery path. What was common in each story was each person got involved, saw the glass as half full, used their strengths to marshal success and believed in paying it forward. The final sign off resonated the call to action “if you’re not involved, get involved.”

Next on the horizon for Keith is producing a video in partnership with the
The Breakthrough Series, Pima County Juvenile Court and Family Connections profiling a family living in Flowing Wells. The intent of the video is to demonstrate an ideal community transition staffing for families exiting the Juvenile Court and Child Protective Services system. In the context of a “staffing” the video will present how community supports families in their efforts to stay safe and economically secure, sustain their recovery from substance abuse, and establish mutually supportive relationships in the community.

Besides airing on Access Tucson the video will be premiered at the January 2008 conference hosted by the National Council of Juvenile Court Judges. This conference is intended to be a call for action to our community to see how supports can be found to promote the success of families leaving the child welfare system.

Keith Smith, Producer

“Access Tucson has provided me with technical skills and opportunity to tell human stories of recovery that often goes undetected and overlooked. More importantly we often fail to recognize the origins of success for people are deeply rooted in a community that cares. I hope to continue to send the message that Tucson cares about its people.”