Washington County Recovery Court Celebrates Winter Graduates

Two women mark over a year of sobriety after completing the substance use recovery program

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Washington County Recovery Court in Jonesborough, Tennessee celebrated the graduation of two women, Hannah Baines and Carrie Roberts, who have both been sober for over a year after completing the substance use recovery program. The 13-19 month program includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, weekly court visits, and other required benchmarks to help participants achieve sobriety and get their lives back on track.

Why it matters

The Washington County Recovery Court program provides a supportive community and structure for individuals struggling with substance abuse, helping them overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. This graduation ceremony highlights the program's success in transforming the lives of participants who were once facing jail time and homelessness.

The details

Hannah Baines and Carrie Roberts met in jail and decided to take the road to recovery together, starting the program in 2024. Before the program, Roberts said she was homeless and ready to give up completely. But the support and structure of the recovery court program, which includes weekly court visits, treatment, and other requirements, helped the women achieve over a year of sobriety. At the graduation ceremony, the women hugged and celebrated with friends, family, and fellow participants.

  • Hannah Baines has been sober for 16 months.
  • Carrie Roberts has been sober for about 17 months.

The players

Hannah Baines

A graduate of the Washington County Recovery Court program who has been sober for over a year.

Carrie Roberts

A graduate of the Washington County Recovery Court program who has been sober for over a year.

Deborah France

The coordinator of the Washington County Recovery Court program.

Judge Johnathan Minga

The judge who presides over the Washington County Recovery Court.

Brandi Henley

An alumna of the Washington County Recovery Court program and the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“The support that we have through this program is amazing. They give you the opportunities, they give you the structure, they give you everything that you can do. You just have to put one foot in front of the other and actually do it.”

— Hannah Baines (johnsoncitypress.com)

“Recovery court has just been my lifesaver. They took a chance on me when I didn't put the effort in myself.”

— Carrie Roberts (johnsoncitypress.com)

“It's amazing how the other participants support (each other) and say 'keep your head up,' 'this is fine,' 'we're here for you.' It's very impressive how they do become a community. And the judge calls our court a family.”

— Deborah France, Coordinator, Washington County Recovery Court (johnsoncitypress.com)

“Before recovery court, I either tried to handle everything alone or avoided problems entirely. Both strategies had a very low success rate. I learned that asking for help isn't a weakness, it's maintenance.”

— Brandi Henley, Alumna, Washington County Recovery Court (johnsoncitypress.com)

“I want to blow that (quote) up and put it on our courthouse, frankly. Let us help you with maintenance, if nothing else. Even if it's to call and have Deborah fuss at you.”

— Judge Johnathan Minga, Presiding Judge, Washington County Recovery Court (johnsoncitypress.com)

The takeaway

The Washington County Recovery Court program demonstrates the power of community, support, and a structured approach to helping individuals struggling with substance abuse overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. The graduation ceremony highlights the transformative impact the program can have, giving participants a second chance and the tools to achieve long-term sobriety.