Ceremony Held for Treatment Court Graduates
DULUTH, Minn. — This time of year, there are graduations and ceremonies going on everywhere. And while they are all special with their own milestones–some are just a little bit sweeter.
Some of those special moments were part of the graduations today from Mental Health Court and Duluth Drug Court. It was to recognize and congratulate those who have completed a long, structured and rigorous program–sometimes taking several years. Sherry Benoit says it’s the first time she’s ever graduated, and it’s definitely special.
“It’s super special because I’ve been sober now three years, so you know, it’s like a big accomplishment for me,” said Benoit. “The foundation they’ve laid for me for my sobriety has really helped for accountability. So, I’m a little nervous to graduate, but I’m excited too.”
For Sherry that excitement includes getting her driver’s license back again, being able to live in her own place, and finding a good job. Those are the kinds of turnarounds and stories of redemption that attract people to this kind of work.
“There isn’t anybody who works in the criminal justice system who doesn’t believe that people can change and redeem themselves,” said Judge Jill Eichenwald of South St. Louis County Drug Court. “Because it would be really soul-crushing work if you didn’t have a belief that that could happen. And so to watch people implement that, to watch them reunify with families, get employment, be a contributing member of society instead of someone who has been hurting society, is just a really, really inspiring, inspiring thing. And to watch people work so hard to accomplish their goals, and people who have many barriers and often, you know started off life with really, odds stacked against them. To watch them become successful and contributing to the community, and contributing to their families, and employment and all of those things is really wonderful.”
One common piece of advice from both Judge Eichenwald and Sherry is that if you or someone you know is wrestling with drug or mental health issues–there is help available–and the chance for a new life.
