My Plan of Service

Substance abuse has a direct impact on not only the abuser, but family members, friends and even society itself.  There is an urgent need to treat the addicts and to successfully rehabilitate them.  Drug rehab facilities are vital for detoxifying and counseling the addict, but in some cases, the treatment must be taken one step further for successful sobriety.

     The typical addict has hit rock bottom before entering rehab.  Most are homeless, unemployed and have severed relationships with family members.  Upon leaving rehab, they have no place to go, except back to the place they came from.  Granted, many addicts do have the support of family members upon their release, but a high percentage from this group are returning to a dysfunctional environment, such as enabling.  This is not healthy for the newly sober addict. These addicts have a great need for transitional housing, complete with a strict set of guidelines, offering a support system, while getting healthy. 

     I plan to open one of these homes in my area.  Upon release from a treatment facility, it would be mandatory that they come straight to the transitional housing unit, lessening the risk of 'exposure' to old friends that are still addicts.  A strict set of rules, complete with curfews, responsibilities, and submission to random drug testing, would then be signed. In return, these people would be offered a new chance at life.

     Getting sober and learning to stay sober is one step in the journey to sobriety.  Facing the consequences of past actions, and changing whatever is possible is another.  My facility would help these people in obtaining education, employment, and counseling.  They would be shown respect, receive affirmation on their dedication, and most importantly, would have the opportunity to receive the Good News of Jesus Christ.  

     I strongly believe that welcoming these people back into society, by extending a helpful hand, an understanding shoulder, and the love that Christ has commanded, will be far more effective than releasing them from a treatment facility and further punishing them for their past mistakes.  Through prayer and obedience to the Word, I hope to help many addicts turn into ex-addicts.  

     I pray that it is God's Will that others have the same calling across our nation.