NILES — Last week, a group of Cass County residents gathered under the shade of Arthur Dodd Park to share hugs, stories and food, with a gaggle of children playing in the background. To the casual passerby, the scene may have seemed like any other picnic, but to those who have had experiences with the Cass County court system, the gathering was one that symbolized hope, family and years of hard work.

Cass County hosted a Reunification Day ceremony Wednesday at Arthur Dodd Memorial Park in Niles. The event, the third annual in the state of Michigan, honored families who had been reunited after a parent had completed family treatment court.

Michigan is one of 27 states to host Reunification Day events. Michigan’s Reunification Day took place on Monday, June 11, and the American Bar Association’s Center of Children and the Law have designated June as National Reunification Month to celebrate reunited families and the legal professionals who work to bring about that reunification.

Though Cass County celebrated Reunification Day a few days late, it did not lessen the event’s impact, with many attendees saying they were moved by the sentiment behind the celebration. For the county’s celebration, several parents who had successfully completed family treatment court and were reunited with their families spoke about the importance of the program, as did several professionals with the Cass County court system.

“To us our children are sacred. The relationship between a parent and child is sacred,” said Tribal Judge Michael Petoskey, who was one of the many speakers at the event. “It is our duty to do everything humanly possible to position each member of a family in the best place and together. … Today is a very happy day that is worthy of celebration.”

“Today is meant to recognize our community partners that make it possible for our families to stay together,” added Judge Susan Dobrich, who also spoke. “Today we honor our families.”

With two children clutching at her sides, former family treatment court participant Thereasa McGann took the microphone at the event to share her story and express gratitude for the court employees that made her reunification with her children possible.

“With the help of Cass County treatment courts, I am able to say that, three years ago, I changed my life,” she said. “It’s the most powerful thing that has ever happened to me. … Now, I am able to appreciate my kids, who are the most significant blessing of my life. Every day, I never take it for granted.”

McGann was reunified with her children in December 2015 after struggling with addiction for years. She said the treatment courts helped her defeat her addiction, as those working in the system did not give up on her, even when she had given up on herself.

“I just want to thank everyone here,” she said. “I never would have been able to believe three years ago that I would be receiving a degree in social work to be able to one day give back what was so freely given to me in family treatment court.”

Several others who had participated in family treatment court also spoke, each telling their own personal stories and testifying to the effectiveness of the program. One of those who spoke was Misty Collett, who after completing family treatment court, now serves as a mentor for others in the program.

“It wasn’t always easy, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Collett said of the program.

Additionally, the Reunification Day celebrations served as a way to honor Barb Howes, coordinator of the court’s drug treatment program. At the event, Howes was presented an award for her service to Cass County’s treatment courts.

“With Barb, I’m always amazed by your skills and abilities,” said Dobrich, who presented Howes with her award. “There is never a problem that is too little or too big for you. You’ve made a difference in countless people’s lives.”

Several of the family treatment court participants who spoke Wednesday attested to this and thanked Howes for the work she had done for them.

Ultimately, those involved with planning the Reunification Day celebration called it a success and something they will again look forward to next year.

“Just listening to the stories told makes everything worth it,” Dobrich said. “We just want to celebrate all the families in Cass County.”