Programs produce 5 graduates

The Mental Health Court and Drug Court programs recognize the first grads.
By SARAH WEBER
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The road to recovery is long and grueling, but with the help of the Youngstown Treatment Court team, five people are on their way.
Four women in the Mental Health Court program and one man in the Drug Court program graduated in a ceremony that took place Wednesday at City Hall.
"These persons decided to say 'yes' to change," said Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. of Youngstown Municipal Court, one of the people who started the program.
The program
This is the first graduating class of the Mental Health Court program, which began two years ago. Graduates have had two years of support and treatment after their mental condition or drug abuse landed them in front of a judge with the option of going to jail or getting help. The Drug Court, which has been in operation for about five years with several graduates, offers the same ultimatum.
"I made the decision that I'm tired of going to jail because of my drug use," said Paulette Orr of Boardman, a graduate of the Mental Health Court program. "This last time I just got fed up, and Judge Douglas gave me another chance."
She said her biggest inspiration was her boyfriend, who has been off drugs eight years.
Robin Woods of Youngstown, another program graduate, said that while she's struggled with health issues, determination has helped her persevere through the program.
"I'm thinking positive now," Woods said.
The graduation
Each graduate of the Mental Health Court or Drug Court program had all criminal charges against them dropped as promised by Judge Douglas when they entered the programs.
Robert Knight, health administrator for the Mahoning County jail, was the keynote speaker. He emphasized that in the past, the mentally ill did not get the treatment they needed and ended up revolving in and out of prison. Programs like this, are helping to change that cycle, he said.
"It's not an alternative to jail," Knight said. "It's an alternative to a better, healthier lifestyle."
A graduate of the Drug Court program, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the 12-step rehabilitation method that the Treatment Court designed to help recovering addicts has changed him. However, he said he will continue to struggle to stay off cocaine for the rest of his life.
"Since I've been in the program, I've got a full-time job -- a career job with good benefits," he said. "I feel like a totally different person."
Judge Douglas said that the program is a joy to work with, and that he is happy for the graduates.
"One of the key things is that people want to change," the judge said. "You have to want to change."