By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Inside Tulalip Court, an emotional milestone unfolded as Tulalip tribal member Loreal Jack officially graduated from Wellness Court. Surrounded by judges, attorneys, case managers, and a tight-knit circle of program participants and supporters, Loreal’s achievement marked not only the completion of a rigorous program, but the continuation of a years-long effort by the Tribe to restore families through healing, accountability, and community.
At 37-years-old, Loreal stood proudly before the court as a mother, a daughter, and a woman who committed herself to change. Her journey reflects the very purpose of the Wellness Court, a program established to provide an alternative to traditional welfare proceedings by emphasizing recovery and culturally grounded support systems. Since its inception, the court has focused on strengthening families rather than separating them, offering participants the tools needed to overcome substance use and rebuild their lives.
“These moments are such a great part of Wellness Court because the program’s participants get to see first-hand the success and accomplishment that is possible when someone makes it to graduation,” said the honorable Mark Pauley, presiding judge. “For us, the team that works here, it’s exciting to see our participants find success and reach their goals through recovery and reunification.”
During the graduation ceremony, it was clear Loreal did not walk this path alone. Seated nearby were her mother, Rose, and her teenage daughter, both of whom played meaningful roles in the day’s events. In a moment that resonated throughout the courtroom, Loreal’s daughter honored her mother by sharing a traditional song, a cultural expression of love and recognition. The song served as both a tribute to Loreal’s perseverance and a reflection of the healing that has taken place within their family.
Shortly after, Tulalip elder Rose Iukes took to the podium. Fighting through tears, she read a speech she had carefully prepared for her daughter.
“On November 30, 2023, Loreal entered treatment,” recalled Rose. “From that point forward, I spoke with every day. I traveled to see her and never missed a family visit. And today, I stand here beyond thankful. My daughter walked a difficult and painful path, but she found her way back home. Now, I have my daughter back, not only as my daughter, but as my best friend. Loreal, I am so proud of you! Keep moving forward and never look back.”
Rose’s words traced her daughter’s journey, acknowledging the hardships faced along the way while celebrating the determination that carried her forward. With emotion evident in every sentence, Rose expressed how proud she was of Loreal’s commitment to recovery.
Moments like these embody what the Wellness Court strives to achieve. Since its early days, the program has emphasized a collaborative approach, bringing together legal professionals, social workers, and cultural support systems to guide participants toward success. Over time, it has evolved from court program to community.
That sense of community was on full display during this most recent graduation. Fellow participants, court staff, and program leaders filled the room with encouragement and routinely made use of their plastic clappers to add to the lively atmosphere.
Judges and court representatives acknowledged Loreal’s hard work and dedication, noting the courage it takes to face challenges head on and commit to lasting change. Their words reinforced the importance of the program’s mission and the impact it continues to have on Tulalip families.
“Loreal, we’ve seen the last two years together, and I’ve witnessed you grow immensely,” said Erika Moore, Wellness Court treatment coordinator. “Every single goal you set for yourself, you have completed or achieved. When you entered Wellness Court in 2023, you were honest about where you were and sought the structure necessary to get your life back. From day one, she showed a willingness to try even when things were hard. Even when there were setbacks, she reflected and learned.
“As her recovery strengthened, Loreal didn’t just participate in Wellness Court, she became an active leader in it,” continued Erika. “This successful strategy allowed her to rebuild her life piece by piece. She found housing, went back to school, and eventually reunited with her family and reconnected with her community. Loreal’s journey shows that life is not about being perfect, it’s about not giving up.”
The Tulalip’s Healing to Wellness Court has steadily grown since it launched in 2020, guided by the understanding that healing families requires more than legal intervention. It requires compassion, structure, and a deep respect for culture. Each Wellness Court graduate serves as a testament to that vision, showing what is possible when individuals are supported rather than judged.