'Freedom from self-bondage is beautiful'

Andrew Carter, Marion Star
·4 min read
Marion County Common Pleas Court Judge Warren T. Edwards, left, congratulates F.I.R.S.T. Court graduate William Harper Jr. during a ceremony held Friday, April 21, 2023, at Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Harper shared how the drug court program helped him become sober.
Marion County Common Pleas Court Judge Warren T. Edwards, left, congratulates F.I.R.S.T. Court graduate William Harper Jr. during a ceremony held Friday, April 21, 2023, at Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Harper shared how the drug court program helped him become sober.

Two more Marion County residents shared their stories of successfully becoming clean and sober thanks to a local drug court program.

Christie Brooks and William Harper Jr. are the latest graduates of the Marion County Common Pleas Court’s F.I.R.S.T. Court drug treatment program. Judge Warren T. Edwards honored them Friday during a ceremony held at Marion First Church of the Nazarene.

Both Brooks and Harper spoke about how the drug court program has affected their lives for the better.

"My life today is a complete opposite to when I first began drug court," Brooks said during her graduation speech. "Prior to drug court, I used daily, stole for a living, and was completely shunned by my family. Today, I celebrate over a year clean and sober. I work at Whirlpool, take care of my sick mother, and I am welcomed, loved, and wanted by my family and many friends. I've gained a whole new family in the recovery world.

"The most rewarding part of participating in drug court has been the dignity and growth I've obtained in myself. Today I can look myself in the eye and love who I am. Freedom from self-bondage is beautiful."

Harper said before he began drug court, he "literally felt like it was the end of my life."

"Turns out the program probably saved my life," he said. "I had some serious health issues going on that weren't being properly treated and managed because of my drug use. Although I wasn't always happy about it, the drug court team didn't give me much of a choice when it came to my health-related issues. I would have to say that the most important change in my life is that my medical problems are now being properly treated and managed now which has probably saved my life. Thank you, drug court team, for pushing me to that."

Marion County Common Pleas Court F.I.R.S.T. Court drug treatment program graduate Christie Brooks said the program has helped her reunite with her family and friends. She spoke during the graduation ceremony on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Marion First Church of the Nazarene.
Marion County Common Pleas Court F.I.R.S.T. Court drug treatment program graduate Christie Brooks said the program has helped her reunite with her family and friends. She spoke during the graduation ceremony on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Marion First Church of the Nazarene.

Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Dan Hawkins served as the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony. He congratulated Brooks and Harper for successfully completing the program.

"Watching you all enjoy this success today, overcome those demons, and turn you lives around for the better, I think Judge Edwards would agree, this is the most fulfilling part of our jobs," Hawkins told the graduates. "You may not realize how your success inspires us all."

Hawkins also shared the story of his time as a prosecutor with the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office special victims. The case of a young woman, who was the victim of rape as a child, was assigned to him. As a result of being raped, the young girl became pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy when she was just 13 years old. After surviving that childhood trauma with the help of her loving and determined mother, Hawkins said, she went on to graduate from high school and college and is now leading a successful life.

"That scared, quiet 13 year old who sat in my office all those years ago didn't allow her trauma to define her life or the life of her son," Hawkins said. "Her triumph at such a young age and in the face of such adversity was truly awe inspiring. I thanked that young woman for her courage. She had an impact on me and so many others. And it's the same impact that (the drug court graduates) are having on us today.

"We're here to celebrate your achievement, but we also want to thank you for inspiring us. For showing us that nothing is impossible no matter what life throws at you, no matter the ups and downs, your strength and determination brought you to this day," he added. "Be proud of yourselves today. Don't forget the amazing impact that your success has had on your families, your friends, and loved ones who are here to support you. And even the impact it has on us tough, no-nonsense judges."

Established in 2013 in Marion County Common Pleas Court, F.I.R.S.T. is one of two specialized dockets operated by Marion County Common Pleas Court. Marion Municipal Court also runs a drug court among its specialized dockets.

The drug treatment court concept was conceived in 1989 in Miami, Florida. According to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), there are approximately 135 active drug treatment courts in Ohio and more than 4,000 nationwide. NADCP statistics show that drug treatment courts reduce recidivism by 60%. Drug treatment courts serve around 150,000 people annually.

Email: ecarter@gannett.com | Twitter: @AndrewACCarter

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: 'Freedom from self-bondage is beautiful'