Another TCAT Graduation successfully in the books!

The Caring Workplaces program gave nearly 100 people the chance to take steps toward a better life.

People who are part of the program are recovering addicts looking to take a different path in life. The program presented them with an opportunity to attend TCAT Elizabethton or enter the

workforce immediately.

The night was full of cheers and hugs for those who graduated.

“We recruit, train and certify employers and teach them how to be recovery-friendly and give second-chance hiring opportunities,” said Kristina Peters, Caring Workplaces’ program manager.

For those graduating, this certificate is much more than a piece of paper.

“Individuals that get to graduate for them, it’s more than a graduation or more than a certificate. It brings self-esteem. We call it recovery capital,” Peters said. “They’re ready and willing, and they believe in themselves now, and they can go out and successfully be employed.”

Each person who graduated plans to take their own path. Michael Murray stated he plans to be a heavy machinery operator.

“I’ve been in and out of prison for a lot of my life, and last time I got in trouble, I decided that I was looking for a change and I was going to find that change,” Murray said. “They presented me with the opportunity to go to TCAT. So I took them up on that because I love equipment, heavy equipment. So I took them up on that, and here we are.”

that having a support group with this program and TCAT means the world to him.

“I mean, I had people that would support me, but not in the right ways. So to have people that’s behind me and constantly pushing me to do better, you constantly be the better person, the best person that I can be. To me, that’s amazing,” Murray said.

Join us in congratulating these graduates and wish them all the best as they move forward!