By Angelina Perez

It's a project that helps divert people with substance abuse and mental health disorders from lengthy prison terms, and Tuesday night the participants celebrated the first graduating class of the four-phase program.

The Seventh Judicial District's Wood Pilot Project was started by Idaho Representative Joan Wood. She initiated the program so that convicted offenders have the opportunity to receive treatment closer to home and avoid long prison stays. So far two participants have been successful

Lee Hyer and David Lindsay are both very proud to be part of the first ever Wood Court graduation ceremony.

David Lindsay: "It's great, kind of overwhelming you know, I didn't think I'd be the first to complete it but I made it."

The program usually takes an average of 18-24 months, David completed the program in 15 months and Lee finished in 16 months. Lee says he's thankful for the skills he was able to gain.

Lee Hyer: "It's given me tools and shown me a new way of life where drugs and alcohol don't have to be a part of it anymore."

It wasn't all easy, at times David says he was worried he might fail, but thanks to some special people he was able to make a vital change.

David Lindsay: "It was rough at times, and quite overwhelming but once I started seeing the positive changes in my life I embraced it and took it for everything it had to provide for me and took full advantage of it."

David and Lee put in a lot of hard work to make it to graduation day and will now have a much brighter and safer future with their families.

Lee Hyer: "If it wasn't for this program I would be in prison or dead."

Joan Wood was extremely proud the program she initiated has been able to help David and Lee and hopefully many more.

Joan Wood: "I'm extremely proud of these two gentlemen and the families and all of the people that worked together to make it happen."

David also says he thinks this program will have a positive impact on the state of Idaho and the residents of Idaho in the future.