05/02/2024-4:00 p.m. Bob Hope Theater, 242 E Main Street, Stockton, CA

STOCKTON – Over 275 participants of the Collaborative Courts have completed one of the court rehabilitation programs at the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin over the past year. On Thursday, May 2, 2024, we will celebrate this achievement with a commencement ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Bob Hope Theater, 242 E. Main Street, Stockton, CA.

Collaborative Courts is a division of the Superior Court, which combines judicial supervision with monitoring and rehabilitation to reduce recidivism by addressing issues that contribute to criminal behavior. The goal of these problem-solving courts is improving public safety and client outcomes,

“We are delighted to announce the graduation of over 275 participants from our Collaborative Court Programs. After the conclusion of the ceremony, there will be a reception in the lobby of the theater where participants and their families connect with the officials who supported them throughout the program. We encourage you to come to congratulate the graduates on their achievements and acknowledge their hard work and dedication”. – Kelly Placeres, Director of Collaborative Courts

Key Note Speaker – Pastor Chris Mullen. Chris Mullen embarked on a path of drugs and dealing at the age of twelve, leading a recurring pattern of criminal behavior. He cycled in and out of prison, serving a total of six years behind bars. In 1997, he quit taking drugs and started a new path in life. Driven by his commitment to serving the inmate community, he resigned from a lucrative job during the recession of 2009. This new direction in life led him to start a registered non-profit called Mercy and Grace, with the belief that “a hard life lived can be a new life transformed.” Mercy and Grace has served over 100,000 inmates.

Graduate Speaker – Paul Reed. Paul Reed is a resilient single parent of seven-year-old twins, Ian and Ivy. Despite being deaf since age two due to a severe fever, Paul faced homelessness and the challenges of parenting amidst substance use and his disability.  Entering drug court on March 9th, 2023, he not only conquered addiction but also flourished, paving the way for reunification with his children. Today, both of his children are in his care, he has obtained his driver’s license, and he is officially employed at the      program. As he approaches graduation from the drug court program, Paul’s journey embodies resilience, hope, and the transformative power of community support. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with courage and determination, any obstacle can be overcome.

                For more information, please contact Kelly Placeres at 992-5225.