Recovery court gives grads new outlook on life

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Nevada Daily Mail

There were no tassels or caps and gowns. There was no gymnasium or football field with the stands filled with hundreds of relatives and friends. The ceremony was held in a courtroom and led by a judge. But for two Vernon County graduates, the location and lack of caps and gowns didn't stop the smiles.

Lincoln Whaley and Tom Rees were recognized at a graduation ceremony for the Vernon County Adult Recovery Court program Tuesday evening. Whaley and Rees were the 79th and 80th program graduates.

The ceremony recognized both men's successful completion of the recovery court program, which focuses on battling substance addiction and gaining skills for a productive, sober life.

Judge James Bickel, who officiated at the ceremony, said recovery court is a journey -- one that lasts between 18 and 24 months. He pointed to Whaley and Rees when discussing the work that goes into the recovery court.

"When people ask if it's worth it, we have 80 graduates that say it is," he said.

Since the recovery court's formation in July 2001, two-thirds of participants have made their way through the program.

Prosecuting Attorney Lynn Ewing said the recovery court program isn't an easy journey. "If this was easy, we'd let everyone who has a drug charge come in and do it. Not all who get invited succeed. It's not easy," he said.

The recovery has been such a success in Vernon County that similar programs are being introduced to the region. Bickel said that Dade County is forming its own recovery court, and Vernon County is working on a mental health court.

Tim O'Neil, a pastor at Faith Christian Center in Garland, Kan., addressed graduates with his personal story of sobriety. O'Neil struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, and entered rehab in 1991. He told graduates that recovery is a lifelong process.

"My recovery program keeps going on and on," he said. "It's about making the right decision one time and managing that decision daily."

Whaley and Rees were presented with completion certificates and recovery Bibles. Mary Ireland of the United Methodist Women presented both graduates with a prayer shawl. Shawls were knitted or crocheted for each graduate, and came with prayers from those at United Methodist.

Both graduates took a moment to thank family, friends and the program counselors who have guided them through the recovery court journey.

Graduate Tom Rees said in his address that the court has given him a fresh start.

"Now I have a new outlook on life, and I plan to live it that way," he said.

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