The Columbia Basin Veterans Center works closely with both Benton and Franklin counties’ judicial systems to ensure that veterans arrested for criminal behavior find stability, recovery and sobriety.

The path before them is one of accountability and mentorship.

Participants can have their cases diverted to therapy court in exchange for stipulating to their charges and agreeing to enter therapy and be mentored by fellow veterans.

Participating veterans must comply with a variety of requirements including drug testing, counseling, attending classes, and performing community service.

The local program helps veterans walk through the various requirements to graduate, and, in some cases, have their criminal offense expunged from their record. It is, at a minimum, an intense yearlong commitment.

I recently had the opportunity to sit in the courtroom as Judge Dan Kathren, Steve Lehto, mentor coordinator, county social workers, a veteran mentor, and the veteran discussed the program.

What I have witnessed from those who bring accountability and encouragement is quite refreshing and offers hope to the men and women who have served our country.

One requirement for those participating in the program is to complete volunteer hours. I have always believed that when people can take part in the community, the best of who they are begins to shine.

There is nothing better than seeing veterans with incredible hearts find their way back to shining once more.

Mentor Kelly Forsberg shared her thoughts on her commitment to the participants and the positive results she has witnessed: “Mentorship within vet court resembles the battle buddy system in the military. My commitment to them doesn't waver because I would never let them fall behind. Subsequently, they work incredibly hard to grow and graduate, knowing they aren’t alone on their journey. The best part of mentorship is witnessing the transformation in my mentees when they no longer need to borrow my belief in them, because they believe in themselves.”

To date, the Columbia Basin Veterans Center has seen 79 veterans graduate, and 23 mentors donate their time to the therapeutic court.

Here at the center, our goal is to walk with the veteran to find health and wholeness in whatever situation they are facing.

In reality, there are times when our local veterans and their families face all kinds of hardships, and these moments of difficulty, along with trauma from their service, can lead to criminal activities.

With guidance, mentorship and education, we have seen lives altered, and many of these veterans’ pathways redirected so they can become the wonderful neighbors and citizens they once were.

Kristopher Dahir is the executive director of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, 1020 S. Seventh Ave., Pasco. Go to: Columbiabasinvetcenter.org.