SPRINGFIELD – The City of Springfield celebrated the achievements of four graduates from its SMART Court (Springfield Municipal Adult Recovery and Treatment) program during a ceremony on Nov. 20 at the Springfield Justice Center.
SMART Court is a supervised treatment program designed for individuals with substance use or co-occurring disorders. It provides an alternative to traditional sentencing by supporting recovery through accountability, treatment, and community partnerships.
The graduation recognized participants who completed the intensive program, which includes regular court appearances, substance-use disorder treatment, mentorship, and progress toward personal goals such as education or employment.
“This program gives people the opportunity to write a new chapter in their lives,” said Judge James Tierney, who presides over SMART Court. “Each graduate has shown resilience, humility, and courage. It is both powerful and incredibly rewarding to see what people can achieve when given the right structure, support, and a chance to succeed.”
Council President Michelle Webber, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Springfield City Council, emphasized the broader impact of the graduates’ accomplishments.
“To our graduates, please know your success matters not only to you and your families, but to the health and strength of our entire community,” Webber said. “You remind us that recovery and resilience require both courage and connection. Thank you for choosing to believe in something for yourself and your loved ones. We are honored to walk alongside you as you continue your journey.”
Springfield Police Chief Jami Resch also addressed the graduates, commending their commitment to change and the collective efforts behind the program’s success.
The event featured personal statements from each graduate: Moriah Booker, Jesse Clausen, Moses Woogerd, and Caleb Sloan, who shared their recovery journeys.
Caleb spoke about welcoming a healthy baby daughter earlier this year with his partner and fellow program participant Booker. Their daughter was born free of substance exposure, marking a personal and significant milestone in their recovery.
Each graduate was recognized by their counselor, received a certificate of completion, and had their final court orders presented.
