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\n\t\t\t\t\tA dozen people graduated from a program through Allegheny County Mental Health Court on Monday. Their stories of struggle and hope shed a light on mental illness. At the Allegheny County Courthouse on Monday, 12 people gathered to start their new lives.”I came a long way from where I was and where I am now. Struggles with addiction and just overall mental health in general. I wasn’t taking care of myself,” graduate Ryan Murphy said.They graduated from a program through Allegheny County Mental Health Court. This month marks the court’s 20th year of outreach and support for those in the criminal justice system who suffer from mental illnesses.”I came a long way,” Dean Kemp said. “I hit a few bumps in the road and had a few setbacks but they gave me that extra push to keep going.”Kemp has been living with bipolar disorder, ADHD and schizophrenia since he was a child. He thinks about his journey filled with hardships that could have landed him in prison, but he is grateful he has learned to stay on track through the program.”Don’t give up. Whatever you do, don’t give up. Don\u2019t give up because there’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” Kemp said.As Gerrel Pringle graduated, he became emotional thinking about the light at the end of his tunnel and all he has overcome.”I met some amazing people and y’all helped me grow a lot as a man and I know my mom would love to see this day,” Pringle said.Pringle’s mother died and said his 8-month-old daughter looks a lot like her. Pringle said he will now make the right decisions for his family.”I always wanted a kid so when I finally had one I’m like I’m going to stay in your life forever,” Pringle said.He said he’s glad those in charge, such as Judge Beth Lazarra, help those with mental health issues.Pringle said, “Somebody that really cares about you, not somebody who is just doing their job. So when I look at her and I see the smile on her face. It just brings out positive energy within myself.”Many of the graduates said they want to help people who struggle with mental health issues to pay it forward.\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
A dozen people graduated from a program through Allegheny County Mental Health Court on Monday. <\/p>\n
Their stories of struggle and hope shed a light on mental illness. <\/p>\n
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At the Allegheny County Courthouse on Monday, 12 people gathered to start their new lives.<\/p>\n
“I came a long way from where I was and where I am now. Struggles with addiction and just overall mental health in general. I wasn’t taking care of myself,” graduate Ryan Murphy said.<\/p>\n
They graduated from a program through Allegheny County Mental Health Court. This month marks the court’s 20th year of outreach and support for those in the criminal justice system who suffer from mental illnesses.<\/p>\n
“I came a long way,” Dean Kemp said. “I hit a few bumps in the road and had a few setbacks but they gave me that extra push to keep going.”<\/p>\n
Kemp has been living with bipolar disorder, ADHD and schizophrenia since he was a child. He thinks about his journey filled with hardships that could have landed him in prison, but he is grateful he has learned to stay on track through the program.<\/p>\n
“Don’t give up. Whatever you do, don’t give up. Don\u2019t give up because there’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” Kemp said.<\/p>\n
As Gerrel Pringle graduated, he became emotional thinking about the light at the end of his tunnel and all he has overcome.<\/p>\n
“I met some amazing people and y’all helped me grow a lot as a man and I know my mom would love to see this day,” Pringle said.<\/p>\n
Pringle’s mother died and said his 8-month-old daughter looks a lot like her. Pringle said he will now make the right decisions for his family.<\/p>\n
“I always wanted a kid so when I finally had one I’m like I’m going to stay in your life forever,” Pringle said.<\/p>\n
He said he’s glad those in charge, such as Judge Beth Lazarra, help those with mental health issues.<\/p>\n
Pringle said, “Somebody that really cares about you, not somebody who is just doing their job. So when I look at her and I see the smile on her face. It just brings out positive energy within myself.”<\/p>\n
Many of the graduates said they want to help people who struggle with mental health issues to pay it forward. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n