EVERETT, Wash — Amber Dabney points to the picture of the day she got her life back.
It's a gradation photo from Snohomish County Recovery Court, a far cry from the booking photo from when she got sent there in the first place.
"I would still be in prison," she says.
Amber was looking at over seven years for stolen vehicle charges brought on by her addiction. She lost her children and was about to lose a large chunk of her freedom.
"I really wanted my kids back, and I was able to get into drug court," she says.
Snohomish County Recovery Court is an alternative to jail for nonviolent drug offenders. It's built on treatment, counseling and accountability, providing people a second chance.
After a year in the program, Dabney began a new life.
"Recovery court made such a difference for me," she says. "I wouldn't be here without it."
Over the past quarter century in Snohomish County more than 2,000 people have attended recovery court. Nearly half have graduated. Programs like it across the state are changing and often saving lives.
According to a 2023 report by the Washington State Association of Drug Court Professionals, 75% of recovery court participants were still felony free after three years. Participants saw a 154% increase in employment and the program saved taxpayers $22,000 for each person who took part.
"I have so many miracle stories," says Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Joe Wilson, who oversees the program.
He says recovery courts are the future of dealing with drug addiction.
"This is the way to change behavior," Wilson explains. "It has been investigated and analyzed over and over again. This program works."
"Jails don't reform people," adds DJ Rivera, another program graduate. "It's these kinds of programs that actually provoke some change in people. Even the people who don't graduate, they do make some positive changes in their lives."
The program is now celebrating its 25th anniversary in Snohomish County.
Inside a room typically reserved for the selection of jurors to pass judgment on the accused, 981 silver stars hang on the courthouse wall representing all 981 graduates.
Dabney's graduation picture sits next to one of those stars.
There is no judgment, here, only appreciation.
Thanks to the program Dabney was returned custody of her two daughters.
She now works with families in recovery to regain custody of their children
To her, it's proof that recovery can be a reality.
"I've lived it," she laughs. "Now, I'm talking to you guys for good things. That's pretty amazing. I'm on the news for good things, not for something bad. I love my life now. Now, I have a life."