Tears, tissues, graduation tassels and a congratulatory cake marked the 14th Family Treatment Court graduation celebration Friday at D.C. Superior Court.
The 14th Family Treatment Court Graduation honors Ebony Washington, Ebony Marsh, Tiffany Martin, Jasmin Lynn and Gail Crump.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
“Miss [Ebony] Marsh was a spitfire. She came into Family Treatment Court honest about her own process, she was honest about what it took to get her here, she was honest with us about the fact that she didn’t know whether this would work, but she’d try it,” said Dr. Sariah Beatty, Coordinator, Family Treatment Court. “We are proud to say that Miss Marsh is our ‘Most Improved’ graduate.”
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Graduate Ebony Marsh pictured with her mother, sister, niece and six children.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
“This is a happy day for me,” said Presiding Judge, Family Court, The Honorable Pam Gray. “The women work so hard for a year to 15 months to address the disease of addiction and regain custody of their children and begin lives they deserve — lives full of wonderful things.”
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
During the long process of undergoing the Family Treatment Court program, Tiffany Martin diligently attended meetings and fulfilled program requirements while homeless. She now lives in an apartment with her two children.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
At the commencement ceremony, Ebony Washington was given the “Most Changed” award.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Jasmin Lynn with mom Nichelle Lynn and boyfriend Joshua Levy. “For me it’s gratifying. Just knowing where she was mentally and everything she had to deal with. for all of us to be next to her now — it’s heartwarming,” Levy said.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Gail Crump received the “Most Courageous” award. “Despite her initial reluctance, she took a chance on herself and as a result of that she’s here graduating today. We’re so proud of her,” said Dr. Sariah Beatty, Coordinator, Family Treatment Court on right. Pictured also with Judge Pam Gray.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
The graduation ceremony held in D.C. Superior Court’s Jurors’ Lounge concluded with a buffet and congratulatory cake.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
April 25, 2024 | 'I'm just really happy that I'm able to stay sober, I have my kids back,' says graduate Jasmin Lynn (WTOP's Kristi King reports.)
WASHINGTON — Tears, tissues, graduation tassels and a congratulatory cake marked the 14th Family Treatment Court graduation celebration Friday at D.C. Superior Court.
The Family Treatment Court program helped the five graduates deal with substance abuse issues and build parenting and life skills in order to be reunited with their children.
“There’s going to be a lot of tears today,” said Deputy Director of Child and Family Services Agency Office of Well-being Marie Morilus-Black. “We know how hard you’ve worked to keep your families together.”
Morilus-Black encouraged graduates going forward to continue to use resources and support available to them during the program.
“Addiction is a very difficult disease and we know how hard it is to work to overcome and to be healed,” Morilus-Black said.
Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.
!["Miss [Ebony] Marsh was a spitfire. She came into Family Treatment Court honest about her own process, she was honest about what it took to get her here, she was honest with us about the fact that she didn't know whether this would work, but she'd try it," said Dr. Sariah Beatty, Coordinator, Family Treatment Court. "We are proud to say that Miss Marsh is our 'Most Improved' graduate." (WTOP/Kristi King)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/EBONY-1880x1058.png)
!["Miss [Ebony] Marsh was a spitfire. She came into Family Treatment Court honest about her own process, she was honest about what it took to get her here, she was honest with us about the fact that she didn't know whether this would work, but she'd try it," said Dr. Sariah Beatty, Coordinator, Family Treatment Court. "We are proud to say that Miss Marsh is our 'Most Improved' graduate." (WTOP/Kristi King)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/EBONY-260x174.png)
