This month, 20 Family & Children’s Services Women in Recovery graduates walked onto the stage to accept their diplomas, including mothers and grandmothers to 39 children and 10 grandchildren.
The 20 graduates overcame 276 collective years of addiction to complete the WIR program. All new graduates are employed and 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.”
Three graduates participated in the Central Tech Welding program, two completed their GED (General Education Development), one participated in Peer Recovery Support Specialist training, one received her CDL-B license through Tulsa Tech, two received their CNC Machining license through Tulsa Tech while another is enrolled in classes, and one works at the F&CS Thrift Store.
Parents, children, family members, co-workers and friends attended the ceremony held at the Tulsa Technology Center’s Lemley Campus, and via Zoom for family members unable to attend.
“These women are excited for the lifetime membership to aftercare resources like therapy, housing, employment, and sisterhood,” Tarrasch said.
“We would also like to extend our sincerest appreciation to our funders, partners, volunteers and supporters,” she added.
WIR is an internationally recognized intensive outpatient alternative to incarceration for eligible women facing long-term prison sentences for drug-related offenses.
