But for graduating students, the work it took to get to this moment was as taxing as any credits earned toward a degree.

Though their paths to a momentous occasion were different, three Gateway to Discovery graduates celebrated recovery together Wednesday, marking at least two years since they decided to break the chains of addiction that once wreaked havoc on their lives.

It’s a moment they’re so proud of that they’re willing to declare it with the oversized bumper sticker, about as big as a keyboard, that complemented their framed certificates of program completion.

But what’s more is that in addition to their personal restoration on the journey of recovery, three families have had their loved ones returned to them after arduous years of strife that often come with addiction.

-Messenger photo by Elijah Decious
Vanna Wirkus, 16, got emotional talking about how proud she was of her mother for graduating from Gateway to Discovery Wednesday, after struggling with alcoholism for 17 years.

“I got my wonderful girl back,” Dorothy Weir, grandmother of Lillie Weir, said with tears in her eyes — an emotional moment that resonated with everyone at the reception which was small in size but powerful in spirit.

Lillie, now 21 and reflecting on a childhood lost to drugs, became addicted to meth after she started using at age 13. Since she started the two-year program, she’s learned how to reconcile that loss and move forward with her life.

She knew she was an addict at age 14, when she said she realized she was just like her mother. Both of her parents were addicted to meth.

Now, the 21-year-old is back on track with most peers her age, working a job and taking nursing classes at Iowa Central Community College. Thanks to the program, she now has her GED. She looks forward to the next milestones in life — a career and family — that meth nearly robbed her of.

In addition to providing treatment, classes and a safe living environment away from old social circles rife with substance abuse, the Gateway to Discovery program funds graduates with a humble stipend.

-Messenger photo by Elijah Decious
Mary Wild, left, hugs program coordinator Carmen Clavin as she graduates from Gateway to Discovery two years sober.

In exchange for agreeing to not go out to work but instead devote their full attention to recovery, each week participants receive $25, and have another $15 socked away into a savings account they can access when they graduate. Modeled after a program in Tennessee, the savings account helps graduates get a fresh start in life as they move out of the group home to reestablish their lives.

Mary Wild, 46, admitted to a few laughs at the graduation that she came to the program for the $40 a week. But after a rough patch in life with alcoholism, she stayed for the faith-based relationship, a sisterhood with fellow graduates and life skills worth infinitely more.

“I was a taker before, but I’m not anymore,” she said with pride, even if she had a hard time finishing some of her sentences without tears.

In this room, where the women felt free to let down their guard on vulnerabilities, that feeling didn’t need to be explained.

“These are the women I can be like this in front of,” Wild said.

-Messenger photo by Elijah Decious
Gateway to Discovery graduate Lillie Weir celebrated over two years sober from meth Wednesday, the longest the 21-year-old has been sober since she started using at age 13.

Described by others as a bubbly personality that lights up any room, Mary managed to warm everyone’s hearts, even during her teary moments. Admittedly, there many of those Wednesday.

After three OWIs, she was simply grateful.

When she started the program, she thought she was “giving up” two years of her life. Now, she said those two years were an investment that will pay dividends for the rest of her life.

“I’m truly grateful,” she said with emotion, for the second chance at life after she lost everything.

One of Wild’s talents in the group was helping others, who long felt pushed away from God, keep their faith, attendees said as they chimed in.

“The power they have to other women is amazing,” said program counselor Carmen Clavin, who noted the radiating power graduates’ stories have.

Though the ugliness of addiction ripples well beyond the person suffering from it, she said the beauty of recovery is that it harnesses just that.

“Your darkest hours will become your greatest assets,” Clavin told graduates.

For graduate Sara Godinez, two years sober is an inspiration to not only her own children, but the other mothers around her in recovery who hope to one day have a relationship with their own estranged kids, too.

After struggling for 17 years with alcohol, Gateway to Discovery was Godinez’s last hope. The 34-year-old had been through every other program available to her.

“Gateway took a chance on me,” she said –something she’ll forever be grateful for.

Her 16-year-old daughter, Vanna Wirkus, said that the program restored her faith, something she completely lost as she watched her mother spiral.

Like the program’s graduates, Wirkus celebrated with two families: her biological one and the one she gained at Gateway to Discovery.

“I hope to one day be with my son the way you are with your kids,” said one woman inspired by Godinez.

Many addicts start their journey with no family, but graduate with two.