On Sunday, November 10, 2019 we celebrated with the newest group of graduates completing two years of their program at TROSA! Current residents and staff gathered with family and friends during a very special ceremony on our campus, which included a Proclamation from the City of Durham, a guest speaker, and a special honor to a beloved staff member.
During the graduation ceremony, TROSA was honored with a Proclamation from the City of Durham, recognizing TROSA’s 25 years of rebuilding healthy lives. The Proclamation, signed by Durham Mayor Steve Schewel and read by TROSA staff member and community leader Jesse Battle, shared that November 10, 2019 was “TROSA Day” in Durham! The Proclamation also points to TROSA’s extensive community partnerships and our work to fight the social stigma of addiction by being visible and active in Durham.
One important community partner is Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech), and educator Mariann Smith delivered opening remarks. Mariann has been working with TROSA residents studying for the GED exams for the past 10 years, first as a volunteer and then as an instructor through Durham Tech. Mariann’s remarks set a wonderful tone for the afternoon by reminding the TROSA residents and graduates that their lives have meaning and they should never forget the lessons learned or the positive impacts they will continue to have on all those around them.
The ceremony ended memorably as well, with a surprise special honor for TROSA Graduate and Staff Member Chris Griffith. Chris has a special role at TROSA as house manager for the incoming “interns” during their first 30 days in our multi-year program. TROSA Founder and President/CEO Kevin McDonald delivered the honor and read his Proclamation to Chris that recognized “Your dedication to the residents of TROSA and your unwavering work with the Intern Program […] Your ability to touch people using your own life lessons […] You fight for them to change their lives and you are there to see them through. You dare greatly and win.
Click the link to donate today.
TROSA Graduate Larry, sharing his recovery journey.
TROSA Graduate Bryan, with an important reminder to all.