The Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court celebrated the graduation of John Hansen and Joey Rodriguez on March 1, 2023, at the Lancaster County City Council Chambers in Lincoln. Judge Kevin McManaman and Judge John Colborn (ret) presided while family, friends, and local community members observed. Guest speakers included BG Gary Ropers, Land Component Commissioner, Nebraska Army National Guard, BG (Ret) Roma Amundson, Lancaster County Commissioner, Chad Street, former Veterans Treatment Court graduate, and Pat Condon, County Attorney.

The ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive mental health treatment, intensive community supervision, and full accountability for the graduates.  Problem-Solving Court Coordinator Erminda Millan-Groves noted, “Our speakers were terrific and on point with their speeches. BG Gary Ropers recognized specifics about our graduates’ military service and all their accomplishments. This, for me, was very important to hear. At times, as the coordinator and court staff, we are busy dealing with the offenses, and we lose sight that, at one time, they held important duties in the military. I realized we need to do more with this information and incorporate it into their programming in Veterans Treatment Court.” Millan-Groves continued, “Chad Street was another speaker who graduated from the Veterans Program a few years ago. Chad continues to be successful and is grateful for the program. He talked a lot about giving in to the program and about how it changed his life completely. When hearing feedback from others who attended the graduation, they were impressed to hear the authenticity of real-life experiences and encouraged to hear more stories like Chad Street in the future. Millan-Groves concluded, “Roma Amundson also talked about leadership and how their military experience played a role in their success in the program. Graduations are very inspiring and a reminder of why Problem-Solving Courts are incredibly important. It also reinforces how Veterans Court is unique and special.”

Top picture (from left) is of graduate John Hansen and his mentor Robert Selig.

Bottom picture is graduate Joey Rodriguez

Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court was established in 2017 and is an alternate route through the criminal justice system for nonviolent drug-related offenders, utilizing a specialized team process that functions within the existing court structure. The courts are designed to reduce recidivism and substance use among individuals with substance use disorders. The court aims to protect public safety and increase the participant's likelihood of successful rehabilitation by utilizing validated risk and need assessments, early and individualized behavioral health treatment, frequent and random chemical testing, incentives, sanctions, and other rehabilitative and ancillary services.

For additional information, please contact:

Erminda Millan-Groves, Lancaster County Veteran’s Treatment Court Coordinator
Cell: (402) 580-7847               Email: erminda.millan-groves@nebraska.gov