Asbury church starts program to help those struggling with addiction

MARSHALL CO., Ala. (WAFF) - Members of Blessed Hope Church in Asbury have partnered to create a recovery program tailored to those struggling with drug addiction.

The Jesus Recovery House is a new program within the church that will provide housing, classes, and even employment to those looking to beat their addictions.

Troy Blair is the pastor of Blessed Hope Church and the co-founder of the program along with Director Scottie Price. This program means a lot to Blair who suffered his own battle with drug addiction many years ago, and he says his journey inspired him to start something of his own in a community with a large need for support.

“We have more need than we have ability to fill it. I could put a thousand people in the next thirty days in a program. That is how much it’s needed,” said Blair.

He said the purpose of the Jesus Recovery House is to prevent recovering drug addicts from reverting back to their former lifestyle. He said a new facility built in proximity to the church will house those in the program for twelve months where they will take life skills courses, complete discipleships, and even maintain employment which the administrators will help facilitate.

Those who complete the program will receive roughly $10,000 to $12,000 thanks to a scholarship that will go hand in hand with the program. Blair said this will be a way to keep those recovering in the program as well as give them a fresh start when they graduate.

Blair also addressed some concerns the community may have about a recovery program being in a residential area.

“I want to just head that off ahead of time and tell people that I would rather have someone in recovery in Asbury than have someone in active addiction in Asbury,” said Blair.

He also said another goal for this program is to hopefully inspire other churches to join in and start their own recovery programs.

“No matter what’s going on in the world, you can still help right here at home. That’s what’s going to make the difference, to take care of the people that are in your community. If we can do that and then we can emulate this in other communities, that’s how we’re going to spread it and that’s how we’re going to help people survive,” Blair said.

The official opening date of Jesus Recovery House will be August 1st. Blair says the program, the new housing facility, and the scholarship will be funded completely by community donations. At this time, they are asking for donations of bed sheets, pillows, mattresses, towels and more. Monetary donations can be made here.

Anyone looking to take part in this program is asked to contact Blessed Hope Church through social media.

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