- Eli Kern NonStop Local Multimedia Journalist
- Apr 10, 2026 Updated Apr 10, 2026
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Benton County’s adult drug court marked a major step in Kennewick with a new standalone facility that brings recovery services together in one place.
The program has helped more than 400 people dealing with addiction since 2003. Until now, it had never had a building of its own.
County and Kennewick officials gathered for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new space. The facility sits near other recovery resources and gives participants access to treatment, case managers, employment services and housing support in one location.
“This space represents more than just a new building. It reflects a shared commitment to recovery, accountability and second chances for individuals in our community,” said Judge Joe Burrowes.
“They have access to treatment, case managers, employment and housing services all in the same spot. This area has truly become a one stop shop for individuals seeking not only the recovery, but a supportive system,” said Adult Drug Court Coordinator Kim Stanhope.
For Zell Hughes, the program changed the direction of his life.
“A lot of people write us off because of the bad decisions that we have made in our past,” Hughes said. “All I knew was my addiction, I didn’t see anything past my addiction. Now that I am no longer in addiction I seek help and got the help that I needed,” he said.
Hughes graduated from adult drug court in November of last year. He said he is now close to earning his AAS in automotive at CBC and is present in his children’s lives.
“I have two and a half months left before I have my AAS in automotive at CBC. I’m a present father in my kids life. If it wasn’t for drug court, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now,” Hughes said.
Hughes is reaching back to help others on their journey.
“I finally reached my bottom point and started praying and this is the program that it led me to. This is a program that you have to fully surrender to. There is no looking back,” said Brandon Scholwinski.
Another participant, Scholwinski said he had been in the program since October and has seen major changes in his life in about six months.
“I honestly don’t even know what to say. I just had a 15 minute conversation with the mayor, and never in my life I thought that I would be in a situation to talk to a mayor. So from where I was nine months ago to where I’m at now, it’s an astronomical change,” Scholwinski said.
“It’s amazing just to be able to share my hope, strength and experience with other participants and to help them on their journey. It’s amazing,” Hughes said.
After the cameras were off, Hughes told NonStop Local that he is Scholwinski’s sponsor. He explained that helping other people work toward sobriety had given his life new meaning.
Watch the Video: https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/benton-county-adult-drug-court-opens-first-standalone-facility/article_cf2b9ce2-59cd-4784-9189-42a31ecc2250.html