Women Start a New Life by Completing Drug Court | News, sports, jobs

Noah Johnson Daily Press Delta County Circuit Court Judge Steven Parks speaks at a graduation ceremony for the Delta County Drug/Sobriety Court on Wednesday. Graduates included Kimberley Geisenhaver, Sascha Hirzel and Katie Sjögren.

ESCANABA — The Delta County Circuit Court was packed Wednesday night, but not for due process.

Instead, three people were celebrated as they graduated from Delta County Drug/Sobriety Court.

“This is my favorite thing to do” said 94th District Court Judge Steven C. Parks.

Graduates included Kimberly Geisenhaver, Sascha Hirzel and Katie Sjogren.

39 people have completed the program since its inception in 2016.

The evening began with Parks' opening remarks before drug court case manager Jeana LaCarte introduced the graduates.

Parks took the time to recognize not only the graduates, but also everyone on the drug court team who makes his work possible.

“I may be the poster child for this, but it wouldn’t be possible without so many supportive people.” he said.

LaCarte introduced each graduate by sharing details of the journeys that led to their graduation.

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

LaCarte initially introduced Geisenhaver, who was brought into the program on charges of operating under the influence – 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 a lot of us wrong and I’m so glad she did.” LaCarte said.

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

“Just a few years ago, her son Kim didn't even trust her to look after her dogs, and now he trusts her to look after his children. It has been an absolute pleasure watching Kim grow in so many ways during her time in the program.” LaCarte said.

Next she introduced Hirzel, who was admitted to the program on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol.

LaCarte said Hirzel has been legally advised that the program is very strict and that she may want to consider serving the 45-day jail sentence.

“However, she was determined to beat her addiction and thought this program was exactly what she needed to help her do so. So she signed up for Drug and Sobriety Court. This meant that Sascha served well over 450 days, ten times her original sentence.

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

Hirzel completed the program without sanctions, something LaCarte said few people manage to do.

“She continually volunteers in the recovery community and remains fully committed to doing just that.” she said.

Finally, she introduced Sjögren, who was accepted into the program back in 2018, but was ultimately released from the program and served her prison sentence for possession of a controlled substance analogue.

Over 600 days ago, Sjogren was back in drug and sobriety court for possession/use of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. If Sjorgen is released from court again, she would serve a 10-month sentence, in addition to the 18 days already served.

“Fortunately, this time Katie was willing to submit to the rules and requirements.” LaCarte explained.

Now a graduate of the program, Sjögren is actively working to repair her relationship with her daughter.

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

Geisenhaver, Hirzel and Sjorgen all reported on their trip. Everyone was very emotional as all three graduates made powerful and tear-jerking statements about not only their addictions, but also their personal lives.

Each told their story, describing loss, abuse, tragedy and ultimately hope.

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

“My goodness, I am in awe of the strength and resilience of you women and that is why we do the work we do.” Tsiolkovsky said.

She compared addiction to getting lost in the woods and even gave each graduate a gift bag filled with items they would need to survive should they get lost. The bag contained a map, a flashlight, a compass with graduates' names engraved on them, and snacks.

Finally, Ziolkowski asked the guests in the audience to take part in an exercise. She urged the crowd to stand up and be there for Geisenhaver if she got 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.

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

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

He said since starting the program he felt like he was suffocated during the ceremonies. He says he doesn't see them as defendants or criminals, but as people.

“I hope you can endure this night for a very long time. Because this is your renewal, this is another opportunity.” he said.

Parks echoed Ziolkowski, saying they are never alone.

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