Persistence, diligence and “packing light” will reap lifelong benefits for four Greene County Recovery Court graduates.
Three of the graduates — Dale Denton, Brent Hickerson and Roger Metcalf — stepped forward Thursday during a ceremony at Trinity United Methodist Church in Greeneville and proudly accepted certificates of completion from Tyler Kelley, Recovery Court director. A fourth graduate, Robert Freeland, completed the rigorous Recovery Court program two weeks ago.
More than 100 relatives, friends, team members and fellow Recovery Court participants attended the ceremony.
“It’s a great celebration,” said General Sessions and Juvenile courts Judge Kenneth Bailey Jr., who has presided over Recovery Court since 2006.
Those with substance misuse addictions now make up the vast majority of Recovery Court participants.
Several Recovery Court team members spoke briefly at the ceremony, including John Toney, a Comprehensive Community Services therapist for program participants.
He urged the graduates to stay in touch and told them about his hobby of backpacking on the Appalachian Trail.
Toney said he learned to lighten his backpack weight to make hiking more enjoyable.
“I learned to travel light,” he said in urging those present to decide what to leave behind in their lives.
“What are you going to take with you?” he asked.
Toney said that “commitment to recovery and fellowship” should be among the tools carried along the path of life.
“There are my words of encouragement to you: Pack light,” Toney said.
The graduates thanked Recovery Court team members, comprised primarily of volunteers, for their help.
“I just want to thank the Recovery Court community and Recovery Court (team),” Denton said. “It gives me a new perspective.”
He urged Recovery Court participants to get to know and support each other.
“Go take a leap of faith and trust us out here. We got you,” Denton said.
Hickerson thanked team members “and all the people who helped me get where I am.”
“It took a long time and I’m just really glad to be here and I’m glad I made it,” Hickerson said.
Metcalf also recognized Recovery Court members and others for their assistance.
“I just want to thank everybody. I appreciate you all,” he said.
Guest speaker Blake Denton, who is now a peer navigator in the Ballad Health Strong Futures program, shared her story. Denton said she has been in recovery for more than three years after making a decision while in jail to turn around her life.
Being in recovery enabled Denton to regain custody of her children, find meaningful work and gain a positive perspective on her future.
Her recovery included time spent in the Strong Futures program.
“Every second I was at Strong Futures I learned something new,” Denton said. “I learned how to be a mom (and) I get to live my life as a mom in recovery.”
Denton offered encouragement to the Recovery Court graduates.
“I’m so proud of all the people here,” she said. “I’m sure you will make great strides.”
Bailey introduced each Recovery Court member during the program.
“It takes a team and the support of a team. The team working with our clients has helped everyone succeed,” he said.
Cindy Wilhoit, Recovery Court case manager, observed how proud she was of the graduates.
“We have a very strong recovery community,” Wilhoit said. “Go out and make a difference. I know you will.”
The Greene County Recovery Court program was founded in 2004 by then-General Sessions and Juvenile courts Judge Thomas J. Wright.
At the time, the program was known as DUI Court. Its primary focus was alcohol addiction and the rehabilitation of repeat driving under the influence offenders. The program has since expanded to emphasize all substance misuse, and Recovery Court evolved into its current multidisciplinary team.
Team members address the needs of nonviolent offenders who have substance abuse or co-occurring mental health issues, or who are veterans.
There are currently 36 participants in the program.
“This is our greatest day,” Kelley said of graduation ceremonies like the one Thursday.
He noted the change in the attitude of Recovery Court clients.
“The program is not easy,” he said. “The (Recovery Court team) people you see here behind me are here for you in ways you can’t even imagine.”
Trinity United Methodist Church provided its social hall for the ceremony.
Food City donated a cake for the occasion. The Greene County Anti-Drug Coalition provided Greeneville Flyboy tickets and other items in a goody bag for participants.
Applebees, Aubrey’s and Marathon donated gift cards. Flowers by Tammy allowed use of ferns for the presentation stage. Boroonie’s Bar & Grill donated the food served after the graduation ceremony. Ben Raby prepared food for the event.
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