Treatment court celebrates first graduates

Three women graduated from Lincoln County Treatment Court last week, marking the program’s inaugural class.

Surrounded by friends and family, Crystal Lyght, Adriane Pomeroy and Melodee Rose received certificates marking their completion of the substance abuse course during an Aug. 24 ceremony at the county courthouse. Before digging into a celebratory cake, the graduates and program organizers spoke on the hurdles and triumphs they faced over the past year and a half.

“I watched these three ladies — through self-determination and just sheer strength — fight through it,” said Melissa Cichosz, former treatment court coordinator who worked with the graduates for most of their time in the course. “It was just a privilege for me to be able to work with them.”

The treatment court program lasts between 18 and 24 months and is divided into five phases. To move from one phase to the next, participants must pass a series of requirements and write a letter addressed to the treatment court team, according to Zach Sherbo, treatment court coordinator. Throughout the program, peace officers hold participants to rigorous standards, subjecting them to random visits and frequent drug tests.

Despite the difficulties presented by the court, the three participants expressed thanks to the program organizers for helping them navigate the road to recovery.

“This program gives help when you need it,” said Pomeroy. “I love you for sticking around when no one else would.”

Lyght told those gathered in the courtroom that she was “broken and beaten” when she started the course.

“When you get an addiction like that, when you get so far down, you stop thinking anyone cares because you surround yourself with hate and distrust,” she said.

Since starting the program, Lyght has held down a job at Ace Hardware in Libby and made plans to go back to school to help those suffering from addiction.

“I’m going to give the way you gave to me,” she said. “I’m going to be the one going into the fire because we are all worth it.”

District Judge Matthew Cuffe said he and Justice Court Judge Jay Sheffield began discussing plans for a treatment court following Cuffe’s election in 2017. The judges worked with Public Health Manager Jennifer McCully, who coordinated with state agencies to get the program off the ground, and County Attorney Marcia Boris, who had participated in a treatment court in Mineral County.

The program grew to include Deputy County Attorney Jeff Zwang, public defender Jessica Polan, probation officers Steve Watson and Vanessa Williamson, local counselor Bill Foster and other members of the local justice system.

“We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. The hard work won’t end here but you know that,” said Boris. “However, we now know you have the tools you need to live healthy, productive, clean and sober lives.”