Women start a new life by graduating from drug court | News, sports, jobs

ESCANABA – The Delta County Circuit Court was packed Wednesday evening, but not for regular court proceedings.

Instead, three individuals were recognized as they graduated from Delta County Drug/Sobriety Court.

“This is what I like to do most,” said 94th District Court Judge Steven C. Parks.

The graduates were Kimberly Geisenhaver, Sascha Hirzel and Katie Sjögren.

Since its inception in 2016, 39 people have graduated from the program.

The evening began with Parks’ opening remarks before Drug Court Case Manager Jeana LaCarte introduced the graduates.

It took Parks time to recognize not only the graduates, but everyone on the Drug Court team who makes what they make possible.

“I may be the figurehead of it, but this cannot be done without so many supportive people,” he said.

LaCarte introduced each graduate by providing details about the journeys that led to their graduation.

“This is a very special day for these three ladies,” LaCarte said.

LaCarte began by introducing Geisenhaver, who was brought to the program on a charge of Operating While Intoxicated – Second Offense.

According to LaCarte, she was almost fired from the program. However, Geisenhaver approached Parks and told him that she would prove everyone wrong and show them that she could and would complete drug court.

“She certainly proved many of us wrong, and I’m so glad she did.” LaCarte said.

Now Geisenhaver is clean and has regained contact with her family.

“A few years ago, her son didn’t even trust Kim to watch her dogs, and now he trusts her to watch his kids. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Kim grow in so many ways during her time on the program,” LaCarte said.

She then introduced Hirzel, who was brought to the program on charges of operating while intoxicated.

LaCarte explained that Hirzel received legal advice that the program is very strict, and she may want to consider serving the 45-day jail sentence.

“However, she was determined to overcome her addiction and thought this program was exactly what she needed to help her do so.

“So she checked herself into Drug and Sobriety Court. Sascha thereby committed herself to more than 450 days, which is ten times her original sentence.

As of Wednesday evening, Hirzel celebrated 511 days of sustained sobriety.

Hirzel completed the program without facing sanctions, something few can achieve, LaCarte said.

“She always volunteers in the recovery community and remains fully committed to continuing to do so,” she said.

Finally, she introduced Sjögren, who was brought into the program in 2018 but was ultimately dismissed from the program and served her prison sentence on a possession of a controlled substance charge.

Over 600 days ago, Sjögren was back in Drug and Sobriety Court for possession/use of a controlled substance: methamphetamine.

If Sjorgen were dismissed from court again, she would serve 10 months in prison, with credit for the 18 days she had already served.

“Thankfully, this time Katie was willing to comply with the rules and requirements,” LaCarte explained.

Now Sjögren has graduated and is working on repairing her relationship with her daughter.

“Katie has always been a very strong-willed person. The only difference now is that she is finally strong in her recovery.” LaCarte said.

Geisenhaver, Hirzel and Sjorgen all gave testimonials of their journey.

They were all very emotional, as all three graduates gave visceral and tear-jerking testimonies not only about their addiction, but also about their personal lives.

Each shared their story, detailing loss, abuse, tragedy and ultimately hope.

Following the testimonials, guest speaker Lori Ziolkowski, director of Face Addiction Now (FAN), provided the graduates with advice and words of wisdom.

“My God, I am in awe of the strength and resilience of you women, and this is why we do the work we do,” Ziolkowski said.

She likened addiction to getting lost in the woods and even gave each graduate a gift bag containing items they would need to survive if they got lost.

The bag contained a map, a flashlight, a compass with the graduates’ names engraved on it, and snacks.

Finally, Ziolkowski asked guests in the audience to participate in an exercise.

She asked the crowd to stand up if they would be there for Geisenhaver if she was lost in the woods; everyone present stood up.

Ziolkowski then asked the audience the same question about Hirzel and Sjögren, and again everyone in the room stood up.

“You are not alone; you are not alone,” she said.

The ceremony concluded with the graduates receiving their certificates and remarks from Parks.

He said that since he started the program, he became stifled by the ceremonies.

He says he doesn’t see them as suspects or criminals, but as people.

‘I hope you will continue this evening for a long time. Because this is your extension, this is another opportunity,” he said.

Parks echoed Ziolkowski, saying they are never alone.

“Always keep in mind that no matter what life throws at you, whether it’s something great or something not so great, you always have friends here in this world who care about you. And we want to help you, because your success is our success. We are in this together.”