South West Indiana Recovery and Empowerment (SWIRE) is now occupying an unassuming office area in the seldom-used visitation area of the Vanderburgh County Jail.
SWIRE is a peer-based and peer-led nonprofit organization to support individuals struggling with addiction.
It’s designed to reduce recidivism — when released inmates end up returning to jail with new charges.
Sheriff Noah Robinson said many inmates are not only at a low point in their lives — but also a captive audience.
“So why not offer these services? Will they accept it? Will every person accept it? No, but I don't think they're going to find individuals more receptive to this offering, we're literally throwing them a lifeline at a moment they need it the most.”
The peers leading the program have been through addiction recovery such as Melanie Sigward.
“It's so important, because there were people that were there for me, and I think that being surrounded by people that understand is vital to someone's walk and their journey in recovery.”
The program is financially supported by restricted opioid settlement funds made available by the Vanderburgh County Commission, championed by former commissioner Cheryl Musgrave.
The program is led by Exectuvie Director Katherine Beyers. She said inmates have been notified about the program and staff can refer individuals to the program.
How the program works:
“We meet with people while they're here in custody, and walk with them through reentry. We connect them to treatment, housing, IDs, transportation, job support and community. And we offer ongoing peer coaching, consistent, real human connection, because recovery grows with relationships.” - Katherine Beyers.