Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA
December 14, 2010
Treatment court is a supportive treatment oriented setting that uses graduated sanctions along with incentives. This treatment has been created to take care of cases involving non-violent seriously ill offenders and non-violent drug using offenders through supervision, case management and treatment. At first I was not even aware of this ceremony, but when I found out more information about it, I am pleased to say that this is a very positive program that is geared to helping that in need. One of our own volunteers from MHA Charles was one of the fellow graduates that day. His face was filled with joy and happiness to know that he overcame such hardships and to see a positive light at the end of the tunnel is amazing. I was touched by all the stories of the graduates and to know the dark places that they were in before, was just amazing to witness the growth and strength among these individuals. It is such a positive thing to see others excel and overcome the hardest things in life. It truly gave me something to think about and just to be thankful for everything that I have in life, because there is always someone else out there that has it worse. I am more than happy to say that I will gladly go to other treatment court graduation and celebrating a new beginning for individuals who have been struggling to get back on their feet. When you have support and guidance behind you, that gives you more strength and will to move on to bigger and better things.
Venera Loshaj
Social Work Major-Gannon University