INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis man is getting back on his feet after spending the last three decades in and out of prison.
He's one of the first to complete a new program aimed at helping frequent offenders achieve independence.
The program specifically targets medium-to-high risk offenders who are battling mental illness.
In the Marion County Jail, that's nearly one-third of all inmates.
The Mental Health Alternative Court takes a holistic approach.
One of its graduates, 52-year-old Sam Berry, says his life has gone from a zero to a 10 because of it.
"It's been kind of a long stretch, but things are a whole lot better than they were," Berry said.
In the last 16 months, Berry has been paired with a recovery coach, who has connected him to housing and community services and helps him keep up with his medication.
Now, Berry is working with a job coach to find employment.
"Right now, a dream job to me is any job at all," Berry said. "Honest pay for an honest day's work."
Berry is one of the first two people to complete the program.
The alternative court brings together prosecutors, case managers, probation officers and judges to offer supervision and access to resources.
Participants spend one-to-three years in the program.
The program is a partnership between the Marion Superior Court, United Way of Central Indiana, the Department of Correction and other organizations.
