The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – With heartfelt words and powerful testimonies, three individuals marked a pivotal moment in their recovery journeys during the Recovery Court Graduation, presided over by Judge Edward Stein on Tuesday April 15. The courtroom was filled with emotion, encouragement, and applause as participants, families, and supporters came together to honor lives transformed through perseverance and support.
Judge Stein opened the ceremony by acknowledging the indiscriminate nature of substance abuse, noting that it can touch anyone, regardless of background. “The three graduates before us today come from vastly different life experiences,” he said, underscoring the power of the Recovery Court program to foster change across diverse circumstances.
The guest speaker for the event was Josh Clark, a certified recovery specialist and advocate who has earned his integrated forensic certification to better support others in similar situations. Clark, who spent eight years incarcerated and continues on his own recovery path, offered candid and stirring advice.
“You have to be able to feel your emotions and feelings,” he told the graduates. “If you don’t change, nothing is ever going to change.” His words struck a chord with the audience, reminding them of the emotional depth and honesty required in recovery.
The first graduate to speak was Amy Craft, who described the program’s impact in no uncertain terms. “Recovery Court has saved my life,” she said. “The Community Services Board and Recovery Court truly care. They help save and change lives — I’m proof of it.”
Paul Brinkley followed, opening with thanks to God and offering appreciation to Judge Stein and Kyle Moore for their support. He acknowledged the role the Community Services Board played in helping him rebuild his life. “This has brought me closer to my brother, God, and my cat,” Brinkley shared. “I’m not going back to the way that I was, and I feel fortunate to be here.”
The final graduate, Michael Williams, spoke openly about his struggles and transformation. “When I first came into this program, I felt like I lost everything and wasn’t going anywhere in life,” he said. “I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Judge Stein formally dismissed the charges against the graduates, symbolizing a clean slate and a new chapter. He invited them to return in the future to support others on the same path.
Closing remarks were delivered by Ingrid Barber of the Community Services Board, who emphasized the significance of the moment. “What you have witnessed today is true success,” Barber said. “All of the punishment and judicial action has not significantly impacted the plague of addiction. Addiction is a disease, and graduation didn’t come easy.”
The afternoon ended with a reception where graduates and their families celebrated their milestones with joy and renewed hope for the future.
