Five Graduate from Laclede County Treatment Court, Celebrating Recovery and New Beginnings

There were tears, laughter, standing ovations, and stories of redemption Friday as five participants graduated from the Laclede County Treatment Court program.

Judge Larry Winfrey recognized Cameron Beck, Joseph D. Wilson, Gretchen Campbell, Kimberly Jo Velde, and Ronnie Hicks for successfully completing the intensive program, which combines treatment, accountability, counseling, frequent drug testing, employment requirements, and regular court appearances as an alternative to prison for eligible offenders.

“This is the harder path,” Winfrey told the graduates and those in attendance. “It’s also the path that leads to a better life.”

Addressing a common misconception about the program, Winfrey said Treatment Court is far from an easy option.

“If people only knew,” he said. “Treatment Court is much harder than simply serving time. But it’s also much more rewarding.”

Stories of Recovery

Each graduate shared a personal story of addiction, recovery, and the people who helped them reach graduation.

Cameron Beck

Beck chose not to address the audience, but was visibly emotional as he accepted his graduation certificate. Judge Winfrey said there was a time early in the program when he wasn’t sure Beck would make it to graduation, but praised his determination and the hard work that ultimately led him across the stage.

Joseph D. Wilson

Wilson spoke about entering the program ready to change his life. He thanked the Treatment Court team for refusing to let him simply “check the boxes” and instead challenging him to confront the issues that led to his addiction.

“Every time you spoke to me, I heard God speaking to me as well.”

He said the difficult conversations he had with the team became some of the most important moments in his recovery.

Gretchen Campbell

For Campbell, recovery meant more than overcoming addiction.

“The cycle ends with me.”

Campbell said addiction had stolen her peace, confidence, relationships, and the life she wanted for her family. She credited Treatment Court with helping her build a life she no longer wants to escape from.

“If you’re given a second chance, you have to go all the way. Don’t do it halfway. Don’t settle for simply surviving when you’ve been given the opportunity to truly live.”

Kimberly Jo Velde

Velde shared one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments as she described overdosing before entering the program and waking up in the intensive care unit to find all three of her children sitting beside her bed.

“I never really thought about the effects it was going to have on them.”

Now celebrating 670 days in recovery, Velde thanked God, the Treatment Court team, and the people who believed in her when she struggled to believe in herself.

Ronnie Hicks

Hicks brought laughter to the courtroom with his trademark humor before ending his remarks with a message that reflected his own journey.

“You ain’t gotta change who you are. You just gotta change what you’re doing.”

A Community Effort

Winfrey also praised the Lebanon community for supporting the program, noting that local businesses, organizations, churches, and residents regularly provide jobs, housing, transportation, and other assistance that help participants rebuild their lives. He said that support has allowed the Laclede County Treatment Court program to grow and become a model recognized beyond the local community.

As the ceremony concluded, family members gathered for hugs, photos, and celebration as each graduate received a certificate marking the completion of a journey that often takes years.

For five Laclede County residents, Friday wasn’t about the mistakes that brought them into the courtroom.

It was about the lives they’ve rebuilt, the futures they’ve reclaimed, and the next chapter that begins after graduation.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available.

Lane Change679 W. Elm St., Suite 2Lebanon, MO 65536

Phone: (417) 991-3727Email: lauren@lanechangemo.orgWebsite: www.lanechangemo.org

Lane Change provides recovery support, peer support, substance use assessments, counseling, case management, and referrals to treatment. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to take the first step alone.