China was introduced to Haywood Pathways Center in the summer of 2021,while being held in the Haywood County Detention Center. A single mom of 2 boys,she found herself, due to struggles with substance use disorder and an unsaferelationship, on the brink of falling into the abyss of the legal system.

Perhaps it is a novel or maybe a movie. There is action, conflict, love andcharacters that capture your interest and even your heart—the best storieshave all of this and more. But the central element to any truly great storyare the characters. Characters that make you cringe, cry, laugh, cheer, orwonder.

By the time you read this, school will be out for summer. The last voicemail wereceived from the school wished everyone a summer of fun, connection with family and friends, rest and relaxation. I appreciate the sentiment and whole-heartedly wish this for all of us. At the same time, I