Celebrating the beginning of a new chapter in life and overcoming obstacles are the hallmark sentiments of graduation.
A group of 13 individuals have been learning to cross a narrow threshold as they graduate a drug court program and embark on a new way of living.
The Washington, Sunflower and Leflore County Drug Court Program is designed to be completed in two and half to three years of treatment. But as with any challenge in life, successful completion is based upon the individual.
Corey Pollard Jr., a future graduate of the program, is thankful for the opportunity to be apart of the program.
“The purpose of the program helped me maintain abstinence from drugs,” Pollard said. “It forced me to go to meetings and I consider it a blessing. I’m thankful that I regained my sense of stability and I’m trying to maintain humility.”
Drug court is a judicial intervention for felony level offenders who have committed a crime as a result of their addiction. Which includes the two mind altering substances, alcohol and drugs. Referrals for drug court can come from a number of sources including treatment providers, family members, defensive attorneys and other concerned stakeholders.
Judge Margaret Carey-McCray, supervising drug court Judge for 4th Circuit, is very proud of the individuals who completed the program.
“I’m always elated when our participants complete our program,” Carey-McCray said. “It is a major accomplishment that they have shown that they are willing to work hard to turn their life around in a positive way. Also, it is important for them to continue that same effort as they go forward with the rest of their lives.”
A few of the requirements while being in the drug court program are:
• Individuals have to appear frequently in court to see the drug court judge.
• Individuals have to subjected to random testing.
• Individuals have to attend all recovery support meetings.
• Individuals have to be employed and or enrolled in educational or vocational training.
• Individuals have to meet their individual counselor.
“Our drug court judges, staff and team members are extremely proud of the graduates and their accomplishments,” said Pamela Hardy, drug court program coordinator. “They have overcome a number of obstacles and made tremendous strides in their lives and we are fortunate to be a part of that process.”
Drug court receives state funding, local funding and services from Washington, Sunflower and Leflore counties and is operated by participant supervision fees.
The program recently received funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to provide more intensive therapeutic support for participants who suffer from substance use disorder or mental illness.
The public is invited to attend the graduation ceremony at Mississippi Delta Community College Coliseum in Moorhead at 2 p.m. May 20.
For more info: contact Pamela Hardy at 662-332-7773.
