“We have a very special class to celebrate,” stated Circuit Court Judge H. Charles Carl. He stood before a large group of treatment court graduates, their families, friends, treatment team members, and community supporters to open the day.
As per usual, all gathered at the community building in Hampshire County Park between Romney and the scenic Trough. Blue skies, pleasant temperatures, and the music of songbirds greeted all as they arrived.
The South Branch Adult Treatment Court, one of several statewide, combines the efforts of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and social welfare workers and organizations. The program provides step-by-step pathways to avoid addiction, embrace better life habits, learn to function sober and independently, then go forth into the community and, often, give back. Each step offers ways to step up and accountability if the participant stumbles in some way.
The first such court program appeared in Ohio County. A strong early advocate was the late judge John Yoder of Jefferson County.
Richard Largent, a U.S. Army veteran and 2026 treatment court graduate, led attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Judge Carl then introduced the treatment team, which included himself, Judge John Treadway, Hardy County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Justina Helmick, Hardy County Home Incarceration Officer Robert Kerr, and many others. Robert Ryan, Hardy County Prosecutor, was also in attendance.
Elected officials and representatives spoke briefly. Delegate Rick Hillenbrand rose first and told graduates “Today is your day. I want to recognize you, the graduates.” He praised them for “being willing to do the hard things” and finished with “God bless you all and congratulations.”
Delegate David Cannon also showed in support, but did not speak.
Rhett Dusenbury, senior field representative for United States Congressman Riley Moore, shared that no matter whether the previous day’s battle was won or lost, “every day the sun comes up and gives you another chance.”
U.S. Sen. Jim Justice also sent “warm wishes,” according to Judge Carl.
Sarah Royal, probation officer and program director, spoke next. Most of her opening words celebrated the career and impact of WVCORR counseling therapist Adele Lavigne, who will retire after more than two decades of service.
“Adele was one of the first people I met and have been fortunate enough to work with her for 20 years. Because of her, I am who I am,” shared Royal. She then addressed the graduates, saying “we love you. We’re proud of you.” Royal then introduced Lavigne.
“My heart is so full,” expressed Lavigne. She explained her initial resistance to working with recovering addicts, noting she once told Royal “I don’t do addiction.” She then added that the decision to start working with those in recovery “has been the greatest gift of my life. Not a day goes by that you don’t learn something or feel something.”
The Staten Island, New York native next shared “By the grace of God I was put here.” Lavigne then described that “this is not a job. It’s a lifestyle for us because it is a lifestyle for them.”
She concluded with “life is hard when you are sober. Life is hard when you are not sober. Life is harder in recovery.” Though retired, Lavigne said that she will remain available to help the program and participants in any way she can.
Program Alumni Peer Miranda Filius, a 2017 graduate, spoke next, sharing that “I came . . . broken, lost, and wearing a mask,” then adding that “I’ve been given a second chance to live, break the cycle again as I raise my two beautiful daughters.”
Two graduates hailed from Hardy County, two from Hampshire, and one came from Greenbrier, but now resides in, and even has a business in Hampshire.
Melissa Valkos spoke first among the graduates. The confident young woman stepped to the podium to share her story. “It feels like I have been here all my life,” she started, adding that “my mind and my body is refinished.”
Valkos stated emphatically that “everything that happened is my fault” but Treatment Court taught her “to be a better version of myself.” She explained that during the throes of her addiction that she believed that strong feelings and sharing emotions made her appear weak. The program gave her “tools and knowledge” to overcome not only drugs, but some of the mental traps that kept her “sealed off” from any who could help.
She said to Royal “I’m glad you were in my corner.”
Next up came Andrew Hudson from Greenbrier County. After he “personally thanked everyone at this table” he said “Adele, I know you will be around like I will.”
“I got a lot of love and a lot of respect for you all,” he said to the treatment team. “I didn’t want to be there, but I didn’t know that I needed to be there,” Hudson admitted.
He then shared “I spent so much time on the run, living on almost nothing. Today, I’m not on the run. I’m on the hunt” for a continually better life in sobriety.
After the graduates who wished to share their stories did so, a slideshow showing the journey of each was played. Then came the lunch reception of fried chicken, macaroni salad and potato salad, and more.
Many lingered on for an hour or more after the close of the presentation, sharing fellowship, stories, and support.
The most important message shared on that day was that hope and grace are still there for those who have lost hope and felt beyond the healing power of grace.
