THOMASVILLE- Thomas County Accountability Court held their second graduation on Tuesday morning at the Justice Center, honoring three graduates during the holiday ceremony.
According to Program Director Jennifer Fabbri, TCAC was created approximately two years ago to fill in the gap after Southwestern State Hospital closed.
TCAC is one of the various options of forced treatment for non-violent criminals who have not committed one of the seven deadly sins. Upon completing the TCAC, students graduate with a newfound sense of responsibility and pride.
Surrounded by friends, family and other students participating in TCAC, husband and wife, Amber and William McMullan, along with student Desmond Bowdry all received a diploma from Judge Jim Prine, acknowledging their completion of the course.
“Desmond Bowdry, when he first came to us, had some involvement with the court in his life,” Prine said. “But Desmond did the Data Reporting track and did so well that I was honored to go to the graduation and see Desmond was the keynote speaker. I’m very proud of him and proud to present his certificate this morning.”
Bowdry thanked Prine and his mentors for help throughout the program.
“In the Bible it says ‘Lean not on your own understanding and trust and believe in God and He shall direct your path,’” Bowdry said. “For the most part, when I came to the DRC (Data Reporting Center) I wasn’t sure I could do it, but I stayed prayed up and thanked God for the support, treatment team and therapists.”
Bowdry plans to continue the great work provided to him and share it with others, as he has now been approved as a Peer Specialist for the TCAC.
“I’ve been granted as a Peer Specialist and I thank God for them doing that,” he said. “I’ve really lived it. I’m not proud of it, but I’ve been in trouble quite a few times in my life, so by me going through it, when I talk to someone I can understand and help others, which I really look forward to.”
As a Peer Specialist, Bowdry will encourage and uplift participants and talk with them one-on-one, when needed.
“This program has really helped my life and I want other people to know that,” he said. “Truth be told, this is the best I’ve ever done in my life. I’m staying out of trouble, I’m drug free, I’m alcohol free and I’ve maintained a job the whole time.”
This has not only brought about a confidence in Bowdry, but allowed him to mend relationships with his family and become closer with his own children.
“I’m just proud of myself,” he said. “The treatment team is here to help and they’re always here for you.”
Prine also recognized the McMullans, who have shown outstanding improvement and been an example to their children.
“Amber has done great in this program and has been able to set some career goals for herself through the program that she is now well on her way to,” Prine said. “William came in the program kicking and screaming, but he came around and has done a really great job and we are all really proud of both of them.”
In a touching tribute, Amber said she knew her grandmother was looking down on her on Tuesday, proud of all she had accomplished. While she wished her children could be there, she acknowledged they were also very proud of them, but were with their grandfather for Thanksgiving.
William became emotional when speaking on the blessing TCAC has been.
“We’ve been blessed… very blessed and it hasn’t stopped yet,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for God and the system and this court.”
As William looks toward retirement, Amber is finishing up her GED and looking to become a registered nurse.
Prine reminded the graduates that while their time may be over, he and other members of TCAC will always be there for them throughout their journey. He also encouraged other participants to reach out to Bowdry as they continue throughout the program, as he has truly walked the walk.