New River Valley Recovery Court programs
celebrate 10-year milestone

(CHRISTIANSBURG, VA) – Participants, graduates, officials, and supporters gathered in Christiansburg the evening of Tuesday, December 10 to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Recovery Court programs in the New River Valley, which are managed and coordinated through New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS).

Since the initial program was launched in Pulaski County in December 2014, the region’s Recovery Courts have expanded into four other jurisdictions – serving a total of 311 participants, with 116 of those individuals successfully completing the program.

The event was attended by approximately 175 community members. Presiding Judges, The Honorable M.D. “Bobby” Turk (Montgomery County) and The Honorable Bradley W. Finch (Pulaski County) were among those in attendance.

The program was highlighted by special recognition of Lori Trail, who has overseen the region’s Recovery Court program since its inception.

As part of last night’s program, Laura Blevins from U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s office read a statement that the Senator entered into the Congressional Record on December 2, 2024 to mark the program’s 10-year anniversary, as well as Mrs. Trail’s contributions. (The full text of that statement is included below.)

Mr. KAINE: Madam President, I rise to commend the 10th anniversary of the Recovery Court Program in the New River Valley of Virginia and extend recognition to Lori Trail, who has served as program manager and coordinator since the program’s creation.

Lori Trail’s service to the community is reflected in the hundreds of lives of New River Valley residents whom she has supported in their recovery journey. Her positive leadership and tireless work have paved the way for the success of Recovery Courts across five jurisdictions in Virginia, beginning in Pulaski County in 2014, and expanding to the counties of Floyd, Giles, and Montgomery, as well as the city of Radford.

Over the past decade, Lori has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for New River Valley residents in recovery. She has helped people with substance use and mental health disorders reclaim their lives and served as a bridge for people to mend relationships. Not only has her work positively impacted the participants of Recovery Courts, but their loved ones and families, as well.

Lori’s staunch advocacy and dedication has raised the standards for the staff around her, and the community members she works alongside. She is an inspiration to those in the New River Valley and across the Commonwealth. Although her success can be measured through each life she has guided through the program, her influence on the New River Valley is immeasurable, and her legacy will remain as an embodiment of compassion, service, and hope.

In addition to the recognition from Senator Kaine’s office, Mrs. Trail also received an engraved award of appreciation and bouquet of flowers from her team of staff. The 2025 “Voices of Hope” wall calendar – a project of the program’s ongoing efforts to increase community engagement – was also dedicated in her honor.

“I truly do not know how to express what this recognition meant to me,” remarked Trail. “It was so special and something I will never forget.”

Along with Judges Turk and Finch, additional speakers included Leroy Robinson, one of the original graduates of the Pulaski County Recovery Court, and Anthony Akers, Assistant County Administrator for Pulaski County and an active member of the New River Valley Recovery Court’s regional advisory committee. NRVCS staff involved with the “Voices of Hope” project also shared their experiences working on the calendar and associated videos.

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