The third cycle graduation of the Samuel Grimes Initiative for At-Risk Youth Program, was held over the weekend at its Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center, Bong Mines Road, in Kakata, Margibi County.
The October 3, 2025, ceremony was hosted with 34 clients received certificates of achievement.
The media and communication consultant to the office of the First Lady, Madam Kartumue Y. Boakai, who addressed the graduates, cautioned them to refuse being held a captive by mistakes of drugs and substance abuse.
Varfee Holmes, who proxied for Mrs. Boakai, said fear and doubt will hold the graduate’s captive making them to believe they cannot overcome life difficulties.
Mr. Homes urged the graduates not to go back to relapse stage having gone through therapy and psychosocial training.
He reminded them about the detox and stabilization process they underwent and certificate received, should serve as authority given them to use by encouraging their peers to say to drugs even when they do not say no by their actions.
Mr. Homes served as director and media executive at the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
He underscored the importance of drugs and substance prevention to its rehabilitation centers, adding: “It will be catastrophic if the fast track approach is not addressed.”
Holmes expressed Mrs. Boakai’s unflinching support to efforts being carried out by the Samuel Grimes for At-Risk Youth Rehabilitation Center’s quest to reduce drugs and substance use by young people.
He also extended Mrs. Boakai’s thanks and appreciation to Bishop Leo Simpson, his wife, Myre E. Simpson, Madam Monique Simpson-Fory, including international partners in the US, the Center Executive Director, Ambassador Michael Johnson and support staff for a job well done.
Amb. Johnson disclosed plan for the completion of a Vocational Training Center, which values US$3,300.
The program brought together the Executive Director for the Kartuma Boakai Foundation, Timothus Comon Boakai, who also expressed delight for progress at the center.
Mr. Boakai promised to work with the management and staffs at the center.
During the third quarter graduation, the Samuel Grimes Initiative for At-Risk Youth Program, statements of commendations came from community leaders, county health team, the Liberia national police, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency that graced the occasion.
Prior to the center graduation, the Samuel Grimes Initiative for At-Risk Youth, held a day-long workshop on the theme: Empowering Future Leaders -celebrating Resilience and Achievement with a parade beginning from the Kakata Police Station to the main campus of the Center on the Kakata, Bong Mines Road.
Three schools, including Agape International, ASECA, and P.C.A of conqueror Church High School form part of the parade and workshop.
The Samuel Grimes Initiative for At-Risk Youth under the Pentecostal Assemblies of World Inc. /PAW Church Substance Addiction Recovery, and Psychosocial Program of three months per cycle integrates clinical treatment, psychosocial counseling, skills training, and relapse prevention.
The program goals are to detox and stabilize clients, and address emotional, psychosocial, and behavioral aspects of addiction as well as equip clients with tools and coping strategies.
It also developed life and vocational skills for reintegration and reinforce family and community support system.
See Pictorial on 6 and 7