Treatment Court Graduation a Highlight of Recovery Month

On September 4, 2025 Berks County Treatment Court Programs held a graduation ceremony recognizing those individuals who have successfully completed DUI, Drug, Mental Health & Veterans Treatment Court programs. The graduation was held in September to coincide with Recovery Month. The ceremony included remarks from Presiding Treatment Court Judges Eleni V. Dimitriou Geishauser & Justin D. Bodor. A 2018 graduate of the program also spoke about the support she received through the treatment court program. She reminded graduates that they are at the beginning of their recovery journey, and that recovery is a day by day experience.

The event was held in Courtroom 5A and attended by more than 150 graduates, family members and supporters. It began with the Presentation of Colors by the Berks County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, followed by the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation by COCA Community Programs Specialist Yvonne Stroman.

“We honor the courage you have taken to face the challenges of recovery, the resilience to rise after setbacks, and the commitment to walk a new path with meaningful and intentional purpose.” – Yvonne Stroman

Graduates were presented with certificates, and the event ended with closing remarks by Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator Adam Bechdel.

There are more than 4,000 treatment courts in the United States, annually serving more than 150,000 people. These programs are the foundation of the U.S. justice reform movement, giving rise to other incarceration alternatives, diversion programs, sentencing and adolescent justice reforms, and more. These programs prove it is possible to repair lives, reunite families, reduce drug use and crime, and to do so at far less cost than jail or prison.

Photos from the graduation

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