September 16, 2017
by Womens Recovery Center
The Women’s Recovery Center celebrated the 8th annual Client Graduation at the Cleveland Airport Marriott. The event was attended by more than 125 graduates, family members, sponsors and Community leaders. Forty-seven women were eligible to graduate from the Women’s Recovery Center’s addiction treatment facility and the graduation ceremony gives everyone a glimpse at the hard work that goes in to recovery. While the opioid crisis continues, these ladies are demonstrations that recovery is possible.
This year Susan was named our Valedictorian. She shared her spiral in addiction that began with prescription opioids and then advanced to heroin. Now more than 62% of the Center’s clients are now addicted to forms of opiates, many with stories like Susan’s. In her comments she praised the Women’s Recovery Center treatment staff for being patient and opening her eyes to the disease of addiction. With a sense of humor, Susan shared her commitment to recovery and the recovery of her life and family.
John Jurco, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Lorain County was selected as the Commencement Speaker. John has a unique role in both witnessing and combating addiction. Through his military service then to serving as a police officer and the Drug Taskforce, John attended Cleveland – Marshall College of Law beginning with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. John offered an inspiring comparison of addiction from the legal perspective and then sadly through a personal connection. John and Barb’s son lost his battle with addiction to a fatal overdose just over four years ago. John shared the importance of faith and seeking continued support for recovery.
This year has been a challenge for many of us at the Women’s Recovery Center. During the construction/renovation of our facilities this year, clients, interns and staff have been squeezed into a tiny temporary space where we could often feel the vibration of jackhammers and large drills. Despite those interruptions 47 women are in recovery and families are re-unifying and establishing healthy and supportive relationships. Despite the hardships that we all face in life, hard work and dedication can make all of the difference. We look forward to being able to move into our refreshed facilities later this fall where we’ll be able to serve even more women.
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