The ceremony will recognize the trailblazing program and its participants

CONTACT:
Tia Lewis
Communications Specialist
301-952-4140

For Immediate Release

(UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – November 7, 2016) With dignity restored and lives reclaimed, the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County is proud to celebrate its inaugural Veterans Court graduation. The landmark ceremony will recognize the veteran graduates successes in the program as they return to being thriving citizens in their communities. The event will be held on Thursday, November 10 in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Courtroom M3400 at 9 a.m. The court is located at 14735 Main St., Upper Marlboro.

“This ceremony is truly a dreamed realized,” says the Honorable Sheila R. Tillerson Adams, Administrative Judge for Prince George's County. “As the first Veterans Court program in Maryland, I’m truly excited with the Veteran Court team and the positive strides the participants have made during this life-changing journey.”

The Veterans Treatment Court program was founded in 2012 and welcomed its first participants in April 2015. Under the direction of the Honorable Beverly J. Woodard and the Veterans Court team, the alternative program focuses on providing unique treatment and comprehensive social services assistance to combat the growing number of non-violent, veteran-offenders with a documented history of substance abuse or mental illness.

The event’s keynote speaker will be Jose Villegas III, veteran and author of “Emotional Prisoner: Trapped Behind the Bars of My Thoughts.” Judge Woodard will officiate the ceremony.

“The Veterans Court team is truly looking forward to honoring and appreciating our veteran participants,” adds Judge Woodard. “Their success is a reflection of the hard work they have put into the program to change their lives and again stand tall in our community.”

The event is open to the public.

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