Two renewed souls graduated from North Enotah Drug Court on Feb. 12, surrounded by family and other loved ones as they looked forward to their new leases on life. With an added presence of Freedom Ministries, faith played a big role in the brief but no less moving celebration.
Hon. T. Buckley “Buck” Levins, Superior Court Judge of the Enotah Circuit, introduced the graduates and spoke a bit about how accountability court programs help nudge defendants back on track and reunite families.
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With a team of professionals who help participants overcome addiction by teaching them how to job hunt and be responsible parents, loving spouses and judges who understand the difficult road ahead, Levins has seen first-hand the results of dedication and strong support systems.
When it comes to the court’s two newest graduates, Levins admitted that he was blessed to simply play a part in helping them reach their goals of a cleaner life.
“Mr. Ferguson’s a hard worker,” Levins began, introducing Jeffrey “Jeff” Ferguson and revealing that Ferguson had found steady employment at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds since retaking control of his life.
As for Travis Foskey, Levins knows his family and watched him grow up. Having witnessed how far Foskey has come in his journey to sobriety, Levins made a point of telling Foskey how proud he believed his father must be of him, even beyond the grave.
“You can trust them, you can employ them, you can be neighbors with them, you can be proud of them, and that’s why we’re here today,” Levins said of the graduates.
Union County Commissioner Harold Collins addressed the pair with an emotional confession, detailing a difficult upbringing from “the bottom rung” of the social ladder as a farmer to now holding office as a leader of the community.
“I’m not raising myself up, but if I can do that, then imagine what y’all can do,” Collins said through tears. “I hope your days are better … Do not let (anybody) tell you that you’re no good, you can’t do this, because you can. With God’s help, you can.”
Next, the graduates got the opportunity to speak at the podium before receiving certificates of completion and challenge coins and posing for some quick photos.
“I just want to say thank you for everyone who’s been involved with this program and everyone who supported me,” Ferguson said. “It’s really helped me turn my life around, and it’s been a blessing.”
For his part, Foskey thanked Freedom Ministries for opening their doors to him and his family, building him up with the help of faith.
“When I got into the program, I didn’t have anyone,” Foskey said, also expressing gratitude for the unconditional love of his children. “I’m very blessed to have a family who loves me. I love you all.”
Past program participant Britton Barr put in the hard work to regain the trust of his own family, graduating from the NEDC and Parental Accountability Court. In turning his life around, he’s found a calling helping other addicts overcome their challenges and was there that day to congratulate Ferguson and Foskey on their accomplishments.
Barr suggested that Foskey and Ferguson – men he considers friends – remain close to the program and find community in others who are in recovery, adding, “Go help somebody when you get out of here.”
Finally, before being released from the courtroom, family and loved ones were given a chance to speak, providing tearful testimony and thanks for a program that has transformed men and women into grateful recipients for better lives.
