36th District Court celebrates graduates at 21st Annual Drug Treatment Court commencement ceremony

The 36th District Court held its 21st annual Drug Treatment and Veterans Treatment Court graduation on May 16. This year’s ceremony was held at Ford Field where graduates and guests were welcomed by Judge Shannon A. Holmes, presiding judge of Drug and Veterans Treatment Courts. 

The guest speaker was Rev. Charles Christian Adams, co-pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit. Rev. Adams has a long history of community service and regularly conducts behavioral health seminars at churches, schools, prisons, treatment facilities and anywhere else he is needed. He addressed the graduates with compassion, applauded them for their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue their journey of recovery.  

Dion Williams, director of Faith-Based and External Governmental Affairs, appeared on behalf of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Office and presented Chief Judge Nancy M. Blount and the court with a special tribute to honor and congratulate the 36th District Court’s Drug and Veterans Treatment Courts for its dedication and long-standing commitment to combatting substance abuse, raising awareness, and providing effective solutions. 

More than 300 guests including judges, court staff, community leaders, treatment providers and city, state, and county officials joined family members and friends to celebrate the 20 graduates. They were recognized for their hard work and commitment to recovery and successful completion of the 12 to 24-month program. For many of the graduates, this was a new lease on life, which afforded them the opportunity to reunite with estranged family members whose ties were severed due to addiction.  They are now successfully employed, and many have attained further education.  

The event was filled with overwhelming gratitude from the graduates and their families for the commitment and support that each stakeholder provides within the Specialty Court process. 

Judge Holmes smiled with pride as she presented each graduate with a gift and a certificate. Veteran graduates also received a challenge coin, support wristband, and an encouragement dog tag. Recovery coaches will be available to provide continued support after graduation.
 

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