RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Pennington County Mental Health Court held a graduation celebration Tuesday, July 9, to honor two of the program’s newest graduates.
Pennington County Mental Health Court was established in 2019 as an alternative to prison for people dealing with substance use and mental health disorders.
The Mental Health Court has offered intensive supervision and treatment for substance use as well as mental health support services, and community-based resources to improve the overall well-being of the participants involved in the program.
The graduates Lisa and John gave speeches about their journeys through the program and were both presented with certificates by Judge Stacey Wickre in the presence of family, friends, and other supporters.
John has been a part of the court since March of 2023 and is 480 days sober and says the support of his community has meant so much to him.
”Just brings a smile to my face. It’s kind of giving motivation to step outside the box, think before I talk, and then basically enjoy life as a normal citizen again,” John Watters said.
Lisa has been part of the mental health court since 2021 and has built a bond with Judge Wickre who says she has seen first-hand the hard work Lisa has put into turning her life around.
“My life has done a total 360. I’m the happiest I have been in such a long time. I get to see my children, I’m getting to know the real me, which God has made me to be,” Lisa expressed.
Both John and Lisa will be transitioning into a level of care that allows them to be more independent on their journey through sobriety.
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