by Beth Wilson
I attended the Kitsap County Drug Court Graduation last Friday, partly out of duty and partly for myself. As a temporary instructor for the Life Skills class, I wanted to stand in solidarity with my Phase 1 students, who were required to be there. But I also knew what the ceremony would give me: raw inspiration, moments that would move me to tears, and a renewed sense of hope. It delivered.
Drug Court isn’t just about breaking free from addiction — it’s about reclaiming a place in the world. The graduates standing before us had once been caught in cycles of substance use, isolation, and loss. Now, they are business owners, full-time employees, students, and mentors. Some work at nonprofits, including food banks and shelters, others are earning degrees, and many are dedicating their lives to helping those still struggling. They have become forces of change, turning their past hardships into fuel for something greater.
Families once shattered by addiction are healing. Parents are showing up for their children with love and stability. Friendships, once strained or broken, are being rebuilt on trust. These graduates have learned their worth, set goals, and chased them down. They don’t just talk about change — they live it, proving that transformation isn’t just possible; it’s happening in our own community every day.
A thriving recovery community makes the entire county stronger. People who once felt like burdens are now among the most committed to giving back. They lift others up, build careers that serve the public good, and invest in the same neighborhoods where they once struggled. Their success is a testament to what’s possible when people are given the chance, the support, and the tools to rebuild.
Recovery doesn’t just save lives — it strengthens families, revitalizes communities, and turns pain into purpose. These graduates are proof that no one is beyond hope.
Beth is the Director of Personnel Services & Communications at WSTC.
