Graduates attain sobriety, second chance

COEUR d’ALENE — In the moments before the reentry ceremony began, Martin Rice-Lambott and Jimmy Polson conferred as they began putting on their blue caps and gowns to mark the milestone of reaching graduation. 

“It looks like you put it on the right side and then after you graduate, you move it to the left side,” Rice-Lambott said after looking up the tradition on his phone.  

Douglas Miller commended about 20 graduates and their families on behalf of GEO Reentry Services for not only working on their sobriety, but also working toward healthier outcomes for themselves. 

“Going through probation is not easy. Going through this program is not easy,” Miller said Monday at the Coeur d’Alene Connection and Intervention Station. 

The program offered a path to staying sober with a new set of tools through cognitive behavioral treatment, changing belief systems and decision-making. 

It often takes close to nine months. Graduates completed intensive treatment and training, have clean drug and alcohol tests and attain employment or are enrolled in school to graduate.

“They do a lot to cross the finish line with their sobriety,” said area manager Evette Navedo.

Elizabeth Lee was praised for her investment in helping herself and helping others make it to the milestone. 

“I had a chance to recover my dignity and show that I can do this,” Lee said. 

She had a job interview to find work the other day and is excited to be working toward goals. 

“I’m happy to stay sober,” Lee said.  

The local agency 208 Recovery North was also honored for the agency’s involvement in the program and Tess Reasor accepted the award on behalf of the organization while pointing out her own journey to sobriety. 

“This is a turning point in your life. We want to be that safety net for you,” Reasor said. “This is a huge milestone; you all deserve a wonderful life.”    

Some faced unique challenges along the way. 

Kendra Larrabee-Davis gave birth while going through the program and Gabriel Vanditto, who is known for his ever-present smile, fell off a roof and broke multiple bones. 

Vanditto surprised everyone by returning within two weeks. 

“This has changed my life completely,” he said.   

Bryan Stern spoke on behalf of the graduates and said that when he first faced the prospect of jail, he only felt shame and anger.  

“Probation represented another obstacle in an already difficult life,” Stern said.  

When he grasped the impact rehabilitation could have on his life, he started working on a plan and built a strong support system for himself while knowing that recovery is possible.    

“The real change had to happen internally,” Stern said.   

    Daniel Temple's graduation from the reentry program is recorded by family members Monday at the Coeur d’Alene Connection and Intervention Station. Graduates of the program completed intensive treatment and training, have clean drug and alcohol tests and attain employment or be enrolled in school to reach the milestone for graduation.
  

    Graduates of the reentry program delivered at the Coeur d’Alene Connection and Intervention Station pose for a photo with Idaho Department of Correction and GEO Reentry Services staff on Monday after a ceremony marking the milestone.
  

    Elizabeth Lee said that as she went through the reentry program and made strides in sobriety, she has learned new ways to be happy. Lee was one of 20 graduates recognized Monday night at the Coeur d’Alene Connection and Intervention Station.
  

    Martin Rice-Lambott and Jimmy Polson get ready before a reentry graduation ceremony through the Idaho Department of Correction and GEO Reentry Services on Monday.