LEBANON, PA — On June 27, 2018, the Lebanon County Day Reporting Center (DRC) graduated four program participants, the first group of graduates since the DRC opened its doors in October, 2017. The graduation took place at the DRC building, located at 624 Cumberland Street in downtown Lebanon, PA.

The four graduates were initially accepted into the DRC program to combat their addictive behaviors. During the past six months, each participant reported to the DRC up to six days per week to work toward improving their whole self through therapy, life skills training, job preparation, learning healthy living strategies and more. To achieve graduation, each participant was required to attend all designated classes, stay sober and successfully obtain steady employment.

During the graduation ceremony, Mitch Pegg, program director at the DRC, stood in front of the attendees to congratulate each participant for maintaining the work ethic, endurance and personal change needed to complete the program. To help the graduates see the significance of their accomplishment, Pegg reminded them of where they began and encouraged them to never forget where they came from.

“You should be proud of yourselves. Real, long-term, personal change is one of the hardest things anyone can ever accomplish. Always continue building upon the skills you’ve gained to stay on the right path.”

Family members, peers and leaders within the DRC community listened quietly as the graduates shared their experiences. Each graduate expressed appreciation for the DRC program and staff, and the difficult but rewarding process they went through to build the foundation for a sustainable, sober life.

One graduate thanked his family for their support, another thanked the DRC team members for helping him earn his GED diploma, and another told her story of transition from an angry, pessimistic mindset to finding happiness and hope every day.

“It’s been wonderful to see the community come together to support this program and its participants. We’re lucky to be part of each person’s path to making personal change.”

Lebanon County Commissioner William “Bill” Ames expressed sincere gratitude to those who helped the DRC succeed thus far. He congratulated the graduates and DRC team members, emphasizing how rewarding it felt to see the DRC create life-changing results for their participants and local community.

Sally Barry, director of the Lebanon County Probation Office, thanked Pennsylvania Counseling Services team members and Lebanon County probation staff for helping the graduates create their success stories. Barry also congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to continue working hard and moving forward on the path they paved with the help of the DRC.

For more information on the Lebanon County Day Reporting Center, visit our DRC services webpage.