Graduates say Marion County drug court is a life changing experience

Family and friends joined with local court officials to honor two graduates of the Marion County Court of Common Pleas FIRST Court program on Friday afternoon.

Michael Stacy and Kirsten Malone, both of Marion, were recognized during the ceremony conducted by Judge W.T. Edwards at First Church of the Nazarene.

FIRST stands for Focusing on Individual Recovery, Success, and Treatment. Commonly known as drug court across the nation, the program was established in Marion County in 2013.

Stacy, age 61, entered the drug court program in September 2020 after being placed on community control, Judge Edwards said. The judge stated that Stacy's accomplishments since that time have been "nothing short of extraordinary," further stating that he's come to know Stacy as "a very good man with a very good heart." The judge also noted that Stacy never failed a drug test during his time in the program.

"My life is different in many ways since first starting drug court," Stacy said in a prepared statement. "I have gained knowledge of what drugs do to our mental state and how drugs impair thinking and our reaction time and how drugs cause friendships and relationships to fail often. Going to meetings weekly has been a big help for me. Hearing other people's stories has helped me in not feeling so alone at times.

"The counselors and teachers have given me coping skills to know how to deal with stressful situations, ensuring my sober lifestyle follows throughout the rest of my life and not just while in drug court," Stacy added. "The most rewarding part of drug court is knowing that I accomplished my goal in life as a recovered addict and knowing that I will always be a recovered addict."

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Stacy had a final admonition for other people who have become addicted to drugs.

"My hope is that other addicts in the future will take an opportunity like drug court and turn it into a positive situation as I have done, and realize that our situation may seem bleak, but take drug court and use this learning experience to make a better future for yourselves and your loved ones," he stated. "It will not be an easy journey, but it will be a very rewarding one.

"I'm positive that anyone facing drug court can achieve long-term recovery if they will keep an open mind and truly assert themselves while on drug court. I suggest that anyone in this situation believe in the power of positive thinking, stay focused on not only getting through drug court, but set your goals for lifelong recovery. That is the most rewarding feeling I'm walking away with."

Despite facing struggles on the road to her drug court graduation, Malone, age 23, has overcome her issues and is now living a productive life and giving back to the community, Judge Edwards said. She and her mother operate the Breaking Bread Food Pantry in Marion and she is employed at a dog kennel. Judge Edwards pointed out that Malone has been sober for the past 14 months, which drew rousing applause from the audience.

Malone told the audience that drug court has changed her life and she has dedicated herself to her recovery effort.

"I have dedicated my life to my recovery and realize that what I do doesn't just affect me," she said. "The way I think has changed. I think about the future instead of just where I'm at then. I'm focusing on who I am and how to better myself. The most enjoyable part of drug court is being recognized for my recovery and sharing my accomplishments. The most challenging part of drug court is definitely the part where you understand that it's here to help you. Also finding a job that can work around the requirements."

In the short term, Malone said she plans to stay in contact with her counselors from drug court, advance in her job at the kennel, and continue to work at the food pantry. Long term, she wants to build her personal credit, provide support for fellow recovering addicts, and cultivate her mental and physical health.

"The advice that I have for others in drug court is to let (the court officials) help you," Malone said. "Don't lie or try to cheat the system because it does not work. It's a lot to keep up with, but it feels good to look back on it and see how much you've changed in your recovery."

Before he let Malone leave the stage, Judge Edwards signed the order to officially end her probation period effective Monday, May 2. He also forgave all of her outstanding court costs, which totaled just over $1,550.

"I think you've earned that and I think the asset that you're going to become to this community is more important than that $1,500," Judge Edwards told Malone.

Former Marion County Coroner and retired physician Dr. Mark Davis served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. He encouraged the Stacy and Malone to take pride in themselves for completing the drug court program.

"Pride can be a sin, but that is not what we are talking about today," Davis told the graduates. "Today the word and act of pride is a good thing. A thing of value. ... I've changed what I used to say to people. Instead of me telling someone that I'm proud of them, I say, 'You should be proud of yourself.' It's an encouraging statement, but it's designed to increase awareness of self."

Davis noted that the Bible speaks to the idea of pride as a positive trait, quoting from First Corinthians 16:13, which states, "Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

"I'm proud of you, but it's more important to know that you are proud of yourself," Davis said in closing. "Continue to make good decisions in your life so that you can remain proud. Surround yourself with other proud men and women. Men and women of God and of faith. When we stumble and are not proud of our actions, these are the true friends that will pull us up."

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

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Graduates say Marion County drug court is a life changing experience