Eric Rippy understands how tough it can be to bounce back after spending time in jail.

In 2006, he was facing a 28-year sentence when he decided to help addicts, forming Recovery Raw Putnam County. 

The work continues eight years later, as Rippy was instrumental in the formation of the Recovery Raw Putnam County Criminal Diversion Program recently. 

The program was implemented to decrease recidivism in drug arrests, help active addicts by offering them addiction recovery and make Putnam County safer, according to Rippy. 

"When these first and second time offenders are offered a diversion, that means that with the completion of this 12 month program, the individual will not become a felon. That is life changing when offered the proper treatment and tools to change their current way of thinking," Rippy told The Putnam County Post. 

The only way to be a part of the program is to be arrested and charged with a drug related felony, Rippy said. 

"This is for first time offenders," Rippy noted. 

The program is aimed to give those arrested for a first time drug offense a "second chance at a productive life."

"It is a second chance at a productive life that so many only wish they would have been offered. It means being able to rent an apartment in your name, take that life changing job or travel the world because, yes, they hit a tough spot in life, but our county, our prosecutor and probation department, and Recovery Raw cared enough about you to offer this once in a lifetime program and give the chance to not only offer help to deal with trauma that caused the addiction, but also combat the addiction," Rippy said. 

Rippy and the probation department have done intakes for a dozen individuals that are currently incarcerated, and Rippy admitted new people are being added each week. 

He said the response has been great. 

"Personally, the last statement made by the individual being considered is, "After my year with you and I am free, will you still be there to give continued support?" It's very encouraging. The answer, of course, is yes I will. Recovery Raw will always be open to these individuals on a willing basis upon completion of the diversion program," Rippy said. 

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