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WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — “Mingo County changed my life and I am forever grateful to them.”

Frances Williamson spent 15 years of her life addicted to Opiods. Thursday, she and two others received a certificate during Mingo County’s first ever drug court graduation ceremony.

The drug court program was initiated in Mingo County in 2016.

“It’s very important to us,” said Chief Probation Officer Tonya Webb. “As probation officers, we see them at their worst times but we see them at their best times. The individuals that you saw here today have completely changed their lives. Now, we’re hoping they go into the community and teach others. We’re so proud of them.” 

Family, friends and community members joined the graduates Thursday to celebrate their accomplishments. During the program, participants must pass drug screenings, perform community service hours, and take part in various classes, counseling and therapy methods.

“Everybody has worked really hard,” added Mingo County Circuit Judge Miki Thompson. “I think in the long run this has helped our entire community. I think it’s made communities safer. I know that it has taken a lot of people who would have been in jail and has rehabilitated them to where they can be productive citizens in our county.”

Each graduate thanked the officer who arrested them and told those in the audience their lives would be completely different without them.

“I’m emotional,” said Frances Williamson. “I was a lost soul and I’m thankful for drug court. It saved my life.”

The second Mingo County drug court graduation is planned for September.