Given Another Chance

By Gregg Piburn

  The judicial system doles out second chances sparingly. Beau Wood received that gift gratefully and uses it wisely.

  In April, the 8^thJudicial District opened its Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), becoming the first Fort Collins-based program in this nationwide effort. VTC offers alcohol and drug treatment resources and assistance to eligible veterans who commit to a recovery plan.

  What was Beau’s first thought when he heard about VTC? “If it keeps me out of prison I was open to the idea.” It turns out there are other significant benefits for Beau. But first, a quick explanation why Beau has legal problems.

  His marriage was ending and it turned ugly. “She knew what buttons to push and I got arrested in2022 and been in the legal system ever since,” the 47-year-old  Army and National Guard vet says. His probation was about to be revoked because he couldn’t pay for the sobriety testing and classes. His original sentencing judge was unsure he should begiven the chance to join the program. But when the opportunity came, Beau quickly signed on.

  In addition to substance-use treatment and support groups, VTC also offers mental-health treatment and support groups, housing and transportation resources, and experienced peer mentors. More than a way to overcome legal problems, VTC’s overriding goal is that those who finish the program achieve long-term stability as law-abiding citizens.

 VTC challenges participants to achieve five phases related to recovery and Beau breezed through the first with flying colors. VTC Chief Judge Susan Blanco says: “Beau is amazing. He does everything expected of him. He just needed support.”

  That support encompasses other organizations, people, locations and activities. A key organization that supports VTC is Combat Recovery Foundation (CRF), a Loveland-based non-profit that helps vets deal with trauma and prevent suicide.“ VTC participants have rebelled against the system. This program shows them the community cares for them and wants them to succeed,” says CRF Chief Operating Officer Alana Bethune.

  A key service CRF provides to the court program are peer mentors, who share a military background, help keep participants on track, and suggest ways to replace negative behaviors with positive ones. As of mid-July, CRF works with six VTC participants.

  CRF Founder Marshall Spring first met Beau when he picked him up from jail on a work release. (Beau is no longer in jail.) They drove into the foothills west of Loveland where the organization has access to land to provide outdoor experiences for veterans. The goal to build a CRF outdoor retreat center perfectly matched Beau’s skillset.

A Nature Retreat

 “On Memorial Day I went up there, near Storm Mountain, and helped some guys build a platform for an outfitter’s tent,” Beau explains. “I helped them finish up the framing and enjoyed the wilderness – including a hummingbird hovering a half-inch from my nose for 30 seconds. Some of the guys were not that experienced in construction but I’ve been doing it since I was 15. I did a couple construction tricks with a saw and they were impressed, which made me feel good. Two days later I went backup with one guy and cut up some downed trees with a chainsaw. I was pretty spent after that. I do hope I can share my knowledge with the group in the future.”

  You know, that sounds a lot better for Beau than to be behind bars and it also shows it’s better for the community to have him use his skills for a worthy cause.

  Judge Blanco states, “I’m a huge fan of community, people meeting and working with other people. I appreciate what CRF does for and with our participants, who want a sense of community.”

  One of Marshall’s common messages is that solutions to problems are best discovered within communities and their citizens. “Humans have required community for survival since we’ve been a species,” the CRF founder says. “That’s where we get purpose and belonging. Isolation is killing us.”

  Judge Blanco, who is married to a Marine, expands on that theme. “This new VTC  has been a labor of love for so many different people from various walks of life. There’s been a lot of collective energy and wisdom involved. I know it will help the participants and I know it will help the community.” How so? The judge adds: “Beau is extremely talented and smart. He’s found a sense of purpose. He’s a mentor to help others build a CRF outdoor center.”

  Beau intends to complete all five phases of the program in the coming months. But his goals and dreams go beyond that. “I want to start a non-profit that builds tiny homes for vets in need.” Beau hopes to also build a mobile tiny home for himself and visit the continental 49 states. He’s already mapping out ideas for how to build the company and create a website.

  Beau’s friend, Christina, believes VTC has been key to his optimism. “Judge Blanco is really nice and understanding. This court gives him a sense of pride rather than shame. Beau has been given a second chance,” Christina says with a smile.

  “With support,” the judge says, “the sky’s the limit for Beau.”

  Big sky and tiny homes.

  From prisoner to mentor.

  The power of second chances.

  For more information about CRF, visit combatrecoveryfoundation.org.

  To find out if you might be eligible for VTC, call 970-494-3654.

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