Women start new lives with drug court graduation | News, Sports, Jobs

ESCANABA — Delta County Circuit Court was packed Wednesday night, but not for any regular court proceedings.

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

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

Kimberly Geisenhaver, Sascha Hirzel and Katie Sjogren graduated.

Thirty-nine people have graduated from the program since its inception in 2016.

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

Parks took time to recognize not only the graduates, but everyone on the drug court team who make what they do possible.

“I might be the figurehead for it, but you couldn’t do it without so many people supporting you,” he said.

LaCarte introduced each graduate by detailing 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.

She was almost discharged from the program, according to LaCarte. However, Geisenhaver approached Parks and told her that he was going to prove them all wrong and show them that he could and complete the drug court.

“She definitely proved a lot of us wrong and I’m so glad she did,” LaCarte said.

Now, Geisenhaver is clean and reconnecting with her family.

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

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

LaCarte explained that Hirzel has received legal advice that the program is very rigorous and may want to consider serving a 45-day jail sentence.

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

“So he signed up for Drug and Sobriety Court. In doing so, Sascha committed to over 450 days, 10 times her original sentence.

As of Wednesday night, Hirzel celebrated 511 days of continuous sobriety.

Hirzel completed the program without receiving any sanctions, something few can accomplish, according to LaCarte.

“She is always volunteering in the recovery community and remains fully committed to continuing to do just that.” she said.

She eventually introduced Sjogren, who was brought to the program in 2018, but was eventually released from the program and served prison time on a similar charge of possession of a substance controlled.

Over 600 days ago, Sjogren returned to Drug and Sobriety Court for Possession/Use of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine.

If Sjorgen is released from court again, she would serve 10 months in prison with credit for 18 days already served.

“Thankfully, this time Katie was ready to surrender to the rules and requirements.” LaCarte explained.

Now, Sjogren is a graduate of a program and actively repairing her relationship with her daughter.

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

Geisenhaver, Hirzel and Sjorgen all gave testimonies about their trip.

Each one was very emotional as all three graduates gave visceral and tearful testimonies about their addictions, but also their personal lives.

Each shared their stories, describing loss, abuse, tragedy, and ultimately, hope.

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

“God, I’m in awe of your strength and resilience, women, and that’s why we do the work we do.” Ziolkowski said.

She compared addiction to being lost in the woods and even gave each graduate a gift bag containing things they would need to survive if they were lost.

The bag included a map, flashlight, compass with alumni names engraved on it, and snacks.

Finally, Ziolkowski asked the 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 got lost in the woods; everyone present stood up.

Ziolkowski then asked the audience the same question about Hirzel and Sjogren, and again every person in the room stood up.

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

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

He said that since the start of the program, he found himself choking up at ceremonies.

He says he sees them not as defendants or criminals, but as people.

“I hope you will hold this night for a very long time. Because this is your renewal, this is a second chance,” he said.

Parks said Ziolkowski, saying they are never alone.

“Always remember 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’re in this together.”