Fresno Rescue Mission honors 52 graduates of rehabilitation program

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A heartwarming celebration Tuesday night for dozens of Valley families overcoming drug abuse.

The Fresno Rescue Mission held its annual graduation dinner honoring 52 people for completing an 18-month rehabilitation and recovery program.

Several former graduates of the program spoke at the ceremony sharing their stories of strength and resolve. Explaining how addiction can derail any family and how faith helped them overcome.

"I couldn't even see life at that point, I was deep in a dark pit," said Robert Fairly, former graduate. "If there is someone out there that needs help, it's important to let them know that even hardworking people like us go through this kind of thing. Addiction touches everyone."

Fairly's wife said she was about to file for a divorce when he entered the mission but saw hope a few months into the program.

More than a thousand guests attended the celebration.