Family & Children’s Services celebrated the 35th graduating class of its internationally recognized Women in Recovery (WIR) program.
This year, 19 WIR graduates walked the stage to accept their diplomas, including mothers and grandmothers to 40 children and seven grandchildren.
The graduates are mothers and grandmothers to 40 children and 7 grandchildren.
The 19 graduates overcame 322 collective years of addiction to complete the WIR program. All new graduates are employed and 88 percent of them have been reunited with their children.
“We could not be prouder of these women,” said Mimi Tarrasch, Chief WIR Program Officer. “They have overcome so much to get where they are today, and defeated obstacles that most of us can only imagine.”
Six graduates participated in a GED program while participating in the WIR program, including three who graduated and three who expect to graduate after completing their tests.
Parents, children, family members, co-workers and friends attended the ceremony held at the Union High School Collegiate Academy building, and via Zoom for family members unable to attend. WIR and FCS staff cheered while masked and socially distanced at the event.
“These women are looking forward to becoming part of the WIR continuing care sisterhood,” Tarrasch said.
“We would also like to extend our sincerest appreciation to our funders, partners, volunteers and supporters,” she added.
WIR is an intensive outpatient alternative to incarceration for eligible women facing long-term prison sentences for drug-related offenses.
