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170 graduate from San Joaquin County Collaborative Drug Court

Once a year, for the past 13 years, participants are recognized for completing the program.

It took over two decades, but 47-year-old Stephanie Tavares of Stockton has finally reached a turning point in her life.

"I've been off drugs now for eight years and it's the best choice I've made," said Tavares, wearing a black cap and gown.

Tavares says she abused meth for 23 years and served prison time.

But, one year later, she is a graduate of the San Joaquin County Superior Court Collaborative Court program.

"Drugs are bad. It's better to get off of them," said Tavares.

Tavares was one of 170 graduates of the program at a special ceremony this afternoon at Stockton's Fox Theater.

Once a year, for the past 13 years, participants are recognized for completing the program.

Instead of serving time in prison, they are given a second chance instead by going through rehabilitation.

Six adult drug courts have been implemented since 1995 for drug, DUI, parole reentry and more.

38-year-old Daryl Chamberlain Jr. completed the program in a year after he says he was arrested for first degree burglary and assault.

"It made me realize there are still good people in this world that you can move forward with life instead of just dragging you down," said Chamberlain, who has two teenage kids.

He says he wants to meet someone and get married again now that he is in a better place in life.

27-year-old Daniel Gines says he faced a two year prison sentence for a felony evading charge.

However, he says in five months he was able to complete a court ordered program at His Way Recovery House in Manteca that spared him time behind bars.

"It was this or prison. It changed it a lot 100 percent,"said Gines, "I had seen other people graduating so I thought maybe I had a chance."

Graduates also heard from judges, law enforcement officials and even Stockton comedian Reggie Galindo who shared stories of hope and encouragement.

Stephanie Tavares says her new found clean and sober life has led her to graduate from San Joaquin Delta College later this month to become a substance abuse counselor.

"I have never lived a better life than without drugs it's awesome," said Tavares.

Follow the conversation on Facebook with Kurt Rivera.

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