Graduation is always a special day for Cincinnati Union Bethel, as we celebrate the women’s courage and accomplishments for completing the Off the Streets program and making the commitment to change their lives.
Today, the Honorable Heather Russell, a Hamilton County Municipal Court judge, and Lieutenant Colonel Vince Demasi, Assistant Police Chief, were gracious enough to join us for graduation and say a few words to the graduates. Judge Russell talked about how in her typical day involves seeing people who have made bad decisions, often more than onces, she appreciated seeing a group who had made the good decision to change their lives. “Thank you for letting me share in your good today,” she told the graduates.
Lt. Col. Demasi was part of the planning team for Off the Streets five years ago. He told the graduates, “I take a lot more away from this process than I ever gave.”
The graduates received a certificate of completion and a gift bag with a pendant designed by Scott Reising Hyde Park Jewelers, a quilt made by the Quilting Queens, a copy of Patsy Malone's The Making of a Madame, and a piece of original jewelry created by Hummin' B Creations.