BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The 24th Judicial District Specialty Court congratulated and gifted eight drug court graduates May 28 in the courtroom in Inez.
Judges, specialty court staff, family, friends and supporters were on hand for what Judge John T. Chafin says is his “most favorite” part of the job.
“This distinguished group has jumped through all the hoops that Judge Butcher, Judge Holbrook and I could put them through,” Chafin said.
Judge Brett Butcher introduced graduates Amber Brumley, Kelly Casey Collins, Josh Kirk, Anthony Osborn, Stephanie Howell, Charlene Carter, Christy Haden, and Lonnie Jude.
Amber Brumley entered the program in 2021 with the belief that it was a setup for her to fail. She planned to abscond when she was released from jail. Instead, she found structure, accountability, support and a chance to be a mother again.
While in the program, Brumley gave birth to a healthy baby girl. She completed long-term treatment and obtained employment, her own housing and a driver’s license. She is peer-support certified and has consistent visitation with her other two children.
Brumley’s 17-month-old daughter attended the graduation ceremony and, according to Judge Butcher, has attended every drug court session with her mother. The judge called her “a little ray of sunshine.”
“She is always happy and smiling,” Butcher said. “She has the ability to bring smiles to everybody else’s faces, no matter what kind of session we might be having that day. She keeps the staff in line with her number of crayons and markers, along with ensuring snacks and candy are always well-stocked. It’s inspiring to have an office job where she is in control of all keyboards.”
Brumley faced legal and personal battles when entering the program.
“I came to drug court pregnant, homeless and hopeless,” she said. “The program helped me to overcome my addiction and to rebuild my life with purpose and clarity. I have an unending gratitude to this court and this team … For the first time in many years, I feel hope and optimism for my future.”
Kelly Casey Collins entered drug court in December 2022. He was scared and worried that he would never be able to complete the program. However, the program provided Collins with the tools to get sober—coping skills and an understanding of the disease of addiction. He learned to live without drugs and alcohol and takes one day at a time.
Collins purchased a home, obtained a driver’s license, and paid off legal obligations and court fines. He takes care of his health and has become a better son to his mother.
Collins expressed gratitude for everyone who helped him on his journey.
Josh Kirk entered the program in April 2022 and learned that a person’s environment often dictates their actions. While in the program, he completed treatment, finished his associate degree, and obtained a driver’s license, employment and housing.
“When I was in rehab, they told me that I had a genetic predisposition to addiction,” Kirk said. “To my mom, that was just a fancy-sounding excuse.”
Kirk shared his truth.
“I thought I was immune to drugs,” he said. “I always knew better and didn’t do drugs until my late 30s.”
He tried drinking alcohol about five times and then tried an opiate.
“They didn’t really do anything for me,” he said.
Kirk’s fate changed on Christmas Day 2016 when, out of curiosity, he tried methamphetamine.
“It took over,” said Kirk. “After three car wrecks, 10 arrests, a raid, and getting robbed every day for like six years, I had to come to the realization that I had a problem.”
While in drug court he practiced humility and accountability.
Anthony Osborn started the program in September 2022, unsure of what it could do for him. He found the tools to cope with his emotions and the information to stay in recovery. Osborn learned to take one day at a time and that many people care about him and his recovery.
His achievements in the program include getting his driver’s license, gaining employment, purchasing a vehicle, and getting his own housing. He has worked on his support obligations and fines and has been actively working on his family relationships.
Regaining his mother’s trust has been a highlight of Osborn’s recovery.
Thanking his supporters, he said, “I never thought I would be here; I thought I would end up dead.”
Stephanie Howell entered the program in November 2022 but did not want to do it. She believed she could not do it successfully. However, she found the chance to get sober. The program provided Howell with the tools and knowledge to live a sober and productive life and the chance to rebuild relationships. She learned to love herself, completed long-term treatment, gained stable housing, purchased a vehicle, graduated from ARC’s Millard College, and gained peer-support certification.
Howell now works for Addiction Recovery Care. She has started an NA group in Inez, regained relationships with her children and grandchildren, and married her best friend.
“I’m living proof that no matter how hopeless you may feel or how rock you start, with God and the right support in your life, you can turn all that around,” Howell said.
Charlene Carter began her journey in drug court in November 2022 with the belief that the program was a setup for failure. She found a second chance at life, sobriety, accountability and sober support. Carter gained her peer support certification and employment at ARC’s White Oak Hill. She also obtained her own housing, purchased a vehicle and rebuilt relationships with her children and family.
Thanking her supporters, Carter became tearful, saying she could not have done it without them.
Christy Haden began drug court in January 2023, believing it was a chance to get her life together. While in the program, she gained her driver’s license, a vehicle, employment and her own housing. Haden has hosted NA for her cohorts for the past year.
“I’m not much on speeches,” Haden said. “I want to say thanks to everybody who has been there for me and helped me get my life on track. If not for you all, I wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Lonnie Jude was unable to attend the ceremony due to work obligations.
In concluding the celebration, Judge Butcher told the graduates that he, Judges Chafin and Holbrook, and the program staff are always just a phone call away.
“Congratulations,” Butcher added. “Graduating from drug court is not an easy feat. There are a lot of hoops that you’ve got to jump through. It’s rigorous, as you guys are well aware, and an accomplishment that you guys should be proud of.”
Case specialist Tim Maynard, family, friends and staff also congratulated the graduates, each imparting encouragement and reassurance.
“Guys, I’m proud of you,” Judge Chafin said, letting everyone know the celebratory lunch was ready.