The General Sessions Courtroom was standing room only on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 as members of the community, family and friends gathered to celebrate the graduation of nine participants from Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court.
Judge Branden Bellar presided over the ceremony. Guest speaker, Mary Leslie Wakefield shared her experiences and support for participants and the program. Graduates also shared about their recovery journey and experience in the program. Graduates have been in the program from18-24 months. Judge Bellar commended the graduates for completing a hard program. “The program only works because of the people involved in the program. It is the love and passion of all those who support the program and participate that make it work. Not giving up made the graduates successful. I wish more people in Smith County could see the value of the Recovery Court Program. We are investing in the sons and daughters of Smith County.”
Recovery Court Case Manager, Crystal Morgan was excited to share that by completing the tough program participants work on every aspect of lives. “We foster relationships and hope to help participants maintain these relationships as continue to manage their new lives.”
Congratulations to the Fall 2023 graduates of the Smith County Recovery Court including – Joseph, Rich, Josh Dugan, Mark Green, Chance Waller, Corey Courtney, Jeremy Gregory, Ethan Davenport, Garry “Scott” Bennett and Rodney “Scott” Reagan.
The Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court Program was established in March 2015 the the efforts of the Fifteenth Judicial District Drug Court and concerned citizens of Smith County. The County Misdemeanor Recovery Court is committed to assisting with the intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of non violent drug offenders who desire to make a positive lifestyle change and break the cycle of drug dependency.
The Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court is made possible by the Recovery Court team, which is made up of Judge Brandon Bella, District Attorney General Jason Lawson, Mary Lynn Bush – Recovery Court Coordinator/Probation Officer, Crystal Morgan – Recovery Court Case Manager/Probation Officer; many staff members from the Smith County Jail and Smith County Court system; staff from mental health facilities in the surrounding area; and a handful of committed volunteers.
