MAHONING CO. 7 celebrate being free from drugs

Graduates of the drug court are from 19 to 52 years old.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Seven people arrested on drug charges over the past several months celebrated being drug-free by having their charges dismissed Tuesday evening and receiving "diplomas" from Judges Scott D. Hunter and John M. Durkin.
All members of the drug court graduation class had been arrested on misdemeanor drug charges and agreed to complete drug addiction treatment programs monitored by the court.
Their charges were dropped after they completed the program, paid their fines and remained drug-free for six months.
Treatment programs were tailored to each individual and were administered by The Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic, Meridian Services and Addiction Program of Mahoning County.
Participants were required to pay for the treatment they received based on their ability to pay.
Participant's story: "I know God put you people in my life for a reason," said Danielle Burnside, 19, of Campbell, thanking those involved in helping her to turn her life around. "I really needed to get my act together," she said.
Burnside entered the program May 25, 2001, and admitted that she had a very difficult time complying with the rules. But, after being sent to jail three times, she succeeded in completing the program and remaining drug-free.
She is working to finish her GED, works part time as a waitress and serves as house monitor for the Three-Quarter-Way House. Burnside also plans to apply to Youngstown State University so she can pursue a career helping troubled teens.
"I started using drugs when I was 15 , and I want to help kids who are like I was," she said. Remaining drug-free, Burnside added, required that she "leave my all my old friends go."
Grateful graduate: Denise Patterson, 36, of Youngstown, entered the program Nov. 1, 2001.
"It was real hard at first, but I had a lot of support. It saved my life," she said.
Before freeing herself from drug addiction, the mother of three said she "wasn't doing too much of anything" and had serious family problems.
Now, she said, "I have my family and friends back."
She has been drug-free since July 2001.
The drug court graduates range in age from 19 to 52. Hunter is the judge in Mahoning County Court in Boardman and Durkin is judge of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
kubik@vindy.com