A Fresh Look at Recovery: Fayette Accountability Courts Launch Job Readiness Effort with Free Professional Headshots

In a world where a picture is worth more than a thousand words, the Fayette County DUI/Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court are ensuring that their participants leave the courtroom not just with justice served, but with dignity restored and futures reignited.

Under the leadership of the Honorable Judge Jason B. Thompson, the Accountability Courts have launched an inspiring new job readiness initiative aimed at preparing program participants for success beyond sobriety. The first step? Free professional headshots are offered in the courthouse itself immediately following a recent court session.

The gesture may seem small to some, but for many of the men and women who participated, it was transformative. Nearly every individual who stepped in front of the lens shared that this was their first professional photograph. More than just a picture, these headshots symbolize a second chance, an opportunity to walk confidently into job interviews, update LinkedIn profiles, or polish resumes with a professional image that reflects their renewed purpose.

This impactful initiative was made possible through the generosity of Chey Holbrook of Chey Photography (www.cheyphotography.com), a talented local photographer who graciously donated her time and expertise to offer participants a new perspective, both literally and figuratively.

“This initiative was especially meaningful to me because my dad, brother, and grandfather all served in the military,” Holbrook shared. “When I heard Judge Thompson speak about the program, I told him I’d love to offer my services at no cost. I was really excited to see it all come to fruition.”

With warmth and compassion, Holbrook transformed a corner of the courthouse into a welcoming photo studio, making the experience not only accessible but deeply empowering.

“Our mission is to help participants do more than just complete the program, we want them to thrive,” said Jourdan Crawford, Accountability Court Coordinator. “That means providing them with real-world tools for success. A professional headshot may seem small, but it’s often the first step in reentering the workforce and feeling seen, not for who they were, but for who they are becoming.”

The headshot session is just the beginning of a broader effort. The Fayette County Accountability Court has ambitious plans to roll out a full suite of job readiness supports in the coming months, including resume-writing workshops, mock interviews, career coaching, and direct connections to local employers. It’s all part of a growing vision that recognizes recovery as more than sobriety, it’s about stability, self-worth, and long-term success.

For participants in Fayette County’s Accountability Courts, that vision is quickly becoming a reality, one confident portrait at a time.

For more about Chey Photography, visit www.cheyphotography.com or call 678-561-0722.
For more information about the program, visit factinc.org. If you’d like to support these life-changing efforts, there are many ways to get involved, whether by volunteering your time, offering professional services, partnering on employment opportunities, or making a donation. To learn more or explore how you can help, reach out to Program Coordinator Jourdan Crawford at [email protected].