Recovery Review: September 2017

We Are Here And Growing!

September is National Recovery Month which is designated to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and to encourage individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help. This is a time for all of us to alert everyone in our communities that prevention, treatment, and recovery services are available! The great news is that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover! There is real hope!

Regarding the parable of the talents, Jesus said to each faithful servant in Matt. 25:21, 23, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” This is a very practical lesson. Those who utilize their opportunities, regardless of how simple, will hear, “You have been faithful with a few things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Opportunity creates opportunity. Once you have entered through one door, the next door is awaiting. That’s why the buried talent – another opportunity – was given to the one with ten talents.

We are afforded various opportunities to do something for the Lord, if only to tell someone struggling with addiction that there is help available. And we are all afforded the opportunity to believe in God. It is an opportunity and sometimes a leap into the unknown. But it is a leap into the arms of God: God who is always there to “catch” us and hold us.

Please be in prayer and tell others that IH is here and growing! We have now closed on our new 16 bed facility located in Chaplin, KY. As we step through this new door of opportunity it allows us to be an even greater resource to help the rapidly growing number of people who find themselves enslaved by substance use and addiction. May we all be found faithful in the giving of our talents, time and treasure in order that others may overcome addition. Thanks so very much for your continued support!                                                                         

Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                                                             Mike Cox, President.                                                                                                                                                                             Isaiah House, Inc.                                                                                          

Support Isaiah House Treatment Center’s Chaplin Center

Isaiah House, a Christ-centered, residential addiction treatment center for men in Willisburg, Kentucky is expanding! IH will be opening 2 new, dual-licensed and nationally accredited 16-bed, residential treatment centers for men in Nelson County, KY later this year and needs your help! The total cost of the new building is $750,000 with the operating cost in the first 6 months being about $240,000. 

With over 1,400 opioid overdose deaths in Kentucky last year, addiction treatment has never been more necessary. The Isaiah House is the largest state-licensed, nationally-accredited, Christ-centered treatment center in our region. With a waiting list as long as 100 names at any given time, expansion is not about business, it’s a matter of life and death!!

Come along side us as we fight addiction and give those struggling with substance abuse the help they need. Our clients find jobs, restore relationships and begin a new way of life, but most imporantly, they reconnect with their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Help someone start on the path to recovery today! Donate now!

                                                           .

Zach’s Testimony of Addiction Recovery

My name is Zach Knauss. I am 28 years old and I grew up in Versailles, KY. My story is similar to most other stories of people who share this disease. I was a star athlete in high school, popular, and kept good grades. After battling addiction for 12 years, I had lost everything to the needle except my best friend and my family who never gave up on me. 

I had given up on myself and was so deep in addiction that I strictly used to live and lived to use. Living as a thief and liar was easier than getting myself help. Withdraws left me in so much mental and physical pain that I could never stay off the drugs long enough to heal. The pain was too severe. My past participation in church and my happy life as a young teen had vanished. I forgot what true freedom and happiness was. I wanted it again, but I was too weak to fight for it. My drug use and everything that comes with it was consuming the lives of the people I love.

My family used Casey’s Law to get me help. I was given the option to go to treatment or go to jail. For me personally, the forced option came to me as a relief. Deep down I knew this is what I wanted and needed. It gave me the opportunity and motivation to get clean. I had to!

I chose to go to the Isaiah House. I was skeptical of the fact that it was faith based. It was easy to blame God for my misfortunes yet I was willing to try absolutely anything for help. I gave God a try and started praying after attending church, and noticing all of the smiles and happiness of the people around me who chose this way of life.

Isaiah House has given me the tools I needed to face myself, to find and fix things about me that I’ve always blocked out, and most importantly, helped me find my way back to God. Through the power of Christ, I’ve gained my faith, been baptized and have re-dedicated my life to Jesus. I study the bible, pray, and give thanks daily for the blessed life I have found here.
I’m 7 months clean and work as an intern at the Isaiah House. I now have the opportunity to give back what I’ve gained through this program to help others find their way to treatment. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Rose Used Casey Law To Save Her Son 

My first born had no idea what the last 12 years of what my trying to fix his addiction had done to our relationship as mother and son. I had cried many tears, prayed many prayers and I still stood empty handed. I wasn’t any better and he certainly was not sober! We were in the same place that we were 12 years ago. I lived a life of someone that I didn’t know anymore.  I knew that I needed to stop trying to "fix" him, but I am his mother and mothers are supposed to fix everything. I had to try it all. We did try it all.

Then something happened to me. I can’t explain the overwhelming feeling I had at the moment when I saw a friend of mine had posted on Facebook that she was working at a treatment center in Willisburg, KY, The Isaiah House. When I saw it, something happened to me- a feeling I have never felt before. I know in my heart it was a GOD moment! I knew about Casey’s Law, I read about it over and over again and really didn’t think I would use it. Immediately, in that moment, I decided I had to use it. I had to keep him alive. It was like I was on auto pilot. I turned it completely over to God and He led the way. I felt empowered and I was taking over after 12 years of the madness. I love my son more than anything, but I was finished loving him to death.

Casey’s Law helped me help him and saved his life. He is 7 months clean and is still at the Isaiah House Treatment Center. I want parents to know more about the law and that it’s ok to force them to treatment. Sometimes force is the only way to get them there and then you have to pray that they see the light.

It is a law that has many steps. It seems hard to wrap your head around them all. The steps are simple, but there are many. Read them carefully and if you have questions, ask. Call your Circuit Clerk. Call me. If I can help in any way possible, I will. Be ready to do the work because your loved one will not. 

FIRST STEP: WATCH CASEY’S LAW VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCsQX7NISsY&feature=youtube

“Casey’s Law” is a legal proceeding which results in a court Order for involuntary treatment for addiction. Please read this in full before beginning the Casey’s Law process. It is advised that you make an initial contact by calling the County Attorney’s office or Clerks office to ensure you have the Casey’s Law written materials and forms and understand the process. 

See here for more information on the steps of Casey’s Law. 

The 5 Star Employee of the Month is… 

Congratulations to our September "Five Star Employee of the Month", Mark Deaton!!

Mark is a Psychotherapist on our clinical team. He provides individual counseling and group therapy for our clients.
We asked Mark, "What do you like about your job?" He replied, "I’ve always liked one constant about my job, and that is interaction with those like me. I am most comfortable around persons suffering from addiction — whether active or in recovery — and I can identify with their struggles. When they recognize that connection — being across from someone who can truly actively empathize — that begins a beautiful relationship."

When we asked, "What do you like about working for Isaiah House?" Mark said," Freedom. I’ve always treated people with what I know works, which must include God. Isaiah House presents the freedom to share my spiritual experiences and how God has directed my recovery."

Mark has been chosen by his co-workers and has received a special keepsake gift, front door parking in the designated Employee of the Month parking space and he will enjoy lunch with Isaiah House, Inc. President, Mike Cox.

The Mike Mullins Vocational Center Grand Opening

The Mike Mullins Vocational Center is, at long last, open and ready for use. On Monday August 21st, the Isaiah House held a grand opening ceremony in the new building with many exceptional guests in attendance to help celebrate the occasion. It was a great day full of expectations for the future job skills training at the Isaiah House.

As guests entered the building from the back door, they immediately stepped on a red carpet with velvet ropes and Isaiah House’s new photo backdrop where their picture was taken by Djuana Reed, Social Media Manager. After signing in and receiving a name tag, guests were shown a buffet table offering a light continental breakfast along with coffee and juice. In the back of the room, Johnny Hackworth and Charles Nobel (affectionately known as Papaw around IH) put on a demonstration of the rework operation that is currently the staple of clients’ afternoon job skills training. They showed how defective car parts from partner factory, INOAC are transformed by clients into the bare, metal stays and packaged for shipping back to Springfield to be re-used. In the center of the room, 13 tables in white cloths were waiting, facing the newly decaled Isaiah House podium, framed between the facility’s golf cart and newly branded fork lift. On the side of the building opposite the buffet, gift bags with Isaiah House polo shirts and coffee cups awaited the VIPs who came to celebrate. Overall, guests were very impressed with the décor and many could hardly believe they were in an industrial building on the campus of an addiction rehabilitation facility.

The day’s events began with a welcome and opening prayer from Public Relations Manager, David Cobb, who then conceded the microphone to Isaiah House President, Mike Cox, who gave the crowd a brief explanation of the job skills training program at the facility, and why it is so important in recovery. Next, Kelly Boston came to the podium and offered a technical breakdown of the Mike Mullins Vocational Center. He explained that the floors were capable of accommodating heavy machinery and that Isaiah House is looking for partners to come out and use the facility like INOAC is already. “Today this place looks pretty nice,” Boston said. “We have decided to dress for the job we want, not the job we have. We hope that you all will be impressed by what you see and hear today, and might consider giving Isaiah House clients a chance to learn the skills needed to work at your business."

Then, it was time to recognize the man of the hour. Choe Sergent gave a heart-warming, tearful explanation of why the new vocational center is named after Mike Mullins, who was in the crowd along with multiple generations of his family. Choe explained that Mullins is the kind of man who would do anything for someone in need, who mentored Isaiah House clients relentlessly, and even saved the lives of some who were struggling to stay in the program. After his speech, everyone in the crowd felt like Mike Mullins was their own mentor, and many greeted him with congratulatory handshakes when the proceedings finished.

Ronnie Ping took the stage next to offer a prayer of dedication for the center, committing the property and all the men who would pass through its doors in the coming months and years to God and his purposes. Everyone at IH knew that giving the property to God was priority number one, for like the Solomon says in Psalms, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
Finally it was time for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Mike Mullins joined a host of guests in front of the podium to cut the ribbon and the new center was officially open for work. Many in the crowd stayed a long time after to network and interact with one another. The feeling of fellowship in the room was undeniable. Isaiah House is so thankful for all the guests who attended on the day, as they were the ones who support us and make everything we do possible!

Special thanks goes to…
Kim King, Kentucky State Representative, Mike Harmon, Auditor of Public Accounts for the State of KY, Stacy Sellers, PNC Bank of Danville, Michael Goins, Communications Director of KY Auditor of Public Accounts, Mike Harmon, Wanda Thompson, Mayor of Willisburg, Kathy Miles, Boyle County ASAP, Bill Robinson, Washington County Attorney, Ben Settles, Magistrate of Washington County, Daniel Carney, Executive Director of SWEDA, John Settles, Washington County Judge, Siana Dunne, NESCO HR., Renea McCauley, INOAC HR, Christy Brady, Wilberts Plastics HR, Choe Sergent, Pastor of Junction City First Baptist Church, Hilary Tarter-Blevins, Recovery Advocate, Adam Johnson, Whitaker Bank, Charles Vittitow, Bonnie Epperson and Brad Ricca, Southeast Christian Church, Jeff Tucker, Tucker Building Co., and Ronnie Ping, Isaiah House Board Chair for your participation on this special day.

Candlelight Vigil in Frankfort, Kentucky

August 31st was National Overdose Awareness Day, a date that is very dear to the hearts of many in the Isaiah House family. Currently, Isaiah House has several clients who have been revived with Narcan, clients whose loved ones have died of an overdose, and even former clients who sadly lost their battle with addiction. If you are around the recovery community for long, it is hard not to have a connection to overdoses and the havoc they reek on families across the country.

In observance of the day, part of Rise Up (the Isaiah House worship team) and a group of clients traveled to Frankfort for a candle light vigil on the steps of the state capital. The event was produced in partnership with FED UP! by close friend of IH, Shellie Brown. There was a generally somber mood among the crowd of recovery advocates, politicians and family members of overdose victims; but a spirit of love and support between the total strangers was impossible to ignore. The Isaiah House set up a booth while Rise Up took the stage, playing several songs to set the tone. Fire trucks, with their ladders fully extended, flew a giant American flag just above the steps as first responders of all kinds gathered to be recognized by the crowd. It was a touching moment as these are the heroes of our communities. These men and women put themselves in harm’s way— reviving people with Narcan only to see them reject an offer to ride to the hospital. By risking the unintentional inhalation of carfentanil as they rush into stash houses and by rescuing children from parents who are unable to care for them. They do not get enough of our thanks, and to acknowledge them in such a public way was extremely fitting.

Following the tribute, a line-up of guest speakers stood to address the crowd. Emily Cook Walden of FED UP introduced Elder Lasserre Bradley who supplied the opening prayer. Next, Secretary John Tilley, who heads up the Kentucky Cabinet of Justice and Public Safety, spoke about how the government is working to fight the 1,404 overdose deaths the occurred in the commonwealth last year. Pain management specialist Dr. Danesh Mazloomdoost M.D, People Advocating Recovery (PAR) CEO Mike Barry, Gina Troutman and Shellie Brown representing The Addicts Mom all spoke in succession, sharing their own insights and anecdotes on the problem of addiction in Kentucky. Finally, Pastor Michelle of Frankfort prayed in the spirit of the overdose awareness event and each attendant lit their respective candle—white for those in recovery, red for family members and friends in active addiction, and black for loved one lost to an overdose. Mikaya Taylor sang a song about her father who struggled with addiction and then there was a moment of silence, interrupted only by the quiet sniffles of the crowd before the event was wrapped up by Shellie Brown. Before the crowd dispersed, there were many hugs and impromptu prayer circles there on the steps, as the group comforted one another through tears.

It was a touching tribute to the lives lost to overdoses, but at The Isaiah House we do not simply want to attend meetings or comfort the hurting—we want to transform lives. Sentiment without action is useless. This event came on the eve of Recovery month, and set the tone for the action we will take to help men vanquish addiction in mind, body and soul.

Praise The Lord and Pass The Brisket: A Party With A Purpose

When we talk about recovery, many times we seem to focus on the negative lifestyle from which the person is emerging. Testimonies are filled with tales of homelessness, crime and deceit, even death. Many events that the Isaiah House attends, like the overdose awareness candlelight vigils, are set up to remind us about the horrible life we lived in addiction, in the hope that we never repeat our mistakes. But another side of recovery is the celebration of new life. Solemn events are appropriate at times—Romans 12:15 tells us to “mourn with those that morn.” But that same verse also makes it clear that there is also a time to celebrate and we should rejoice with those who rejoice. Isaiah House staff gets to see families restored, trust regained and legal problems expunged. Many times, men leave our program feeling more confident about their futures than at any point in their entire lives, and that is a reason to rejoice!

One such time of celebration occurred over the weekend at Arrowhead Archery and Barbecue where former client Charles McClain’s family threw a fundraiser, offering 10% of the night’s sales to The Isaiah House. The restaurant/archery range/music venue was turned into a concert hall for the night and Crew 3:30, a praise and worship team from Elizabethtown, and Rise Up performed for a crowd of hundreds. In addition to the free concert, patrons of the restaurant were offered a special deal on the night– $15.00 all you can eat barbecue, desserts and soft drinks. For that price, it felt like a steal—Arrowhead undoubtedly has some of the best barbecue in central Kentucky and the crowd at the event confirmed it: by the time things kicked off at 5:00pm, a line had formed out the door and through the parking lot which was an incredible show of Hodgenville’s support of Isaiah House and darn good barbecue.

David Cobb, Anthony Kiser and Jordan Wilson sold Isaiah House merchandise at the show while Djuana Reed took photos of the bands and restaurant-goers. Amanda Preston and Chris Taylor also chipped in at the merchandise booth, and of course, Jeff Goins and the rest of Rise Up were there keeping everyone entertained. As is often the case for recipients of generosity, a unanimous sense of gratitude filled each and every member of Isaiah House Staff that work or attended the party.

When interacting with the crowd that night, the conversations usually started something like this:
“Thank you all so much for coming out to support the Isaiah House tonight!”
“Well thank you so much for what you did for Charles, he’s a new man and we are happy to support a ministry that helps people in that way…”

I probably thanked Charles and the rest of the Arrowhead crew 100 times throughout the night and every time they acted like they were the ones who were indebted to us. “Isaiah House saved my life.” “You saved our marriage.” “You gave us Charles back.” It is so amazing to see people on both sides, clients and staff, being truly thankful for the great things that God is doing.

Of course every time credit was given to IH staff, or even Isaiah House generally, we had to redirect: It was God who did these things through us and for us. He has called each of us to a task—none greater or less than the other; all that matters is that we are obedient to his leading. Whether it’s fighting against addiction, serving the best barbecue around, or being a great parent, we all have our calling in that time and season.

Overall, the Isaiah House raised over $1,500 in merchandise sales, donations and the generous contribution from Arrowhead. The funds will be allotted to the new centers in Chaplin and our continued effort to expand so that we can treat as many people as we possibly can.                         

Recovery at Isaiah House Treatment Center

Click on a picture to read their testimonies of Real Hope for Addiction.

Isaiah House, Inc. Businesses

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Upcoming Events

Cardboard Box Ministries– Bobby Hayden Jr. & Lexi Laconi of Cardboard Box Ministries will be performing at Willisburg Christian Church on Friday, 2681 Lawrenceburg Road Willisburg, KY, September 29th, 6:00 pm.

Isaiah House, Inc. Graduation– October 21st, 11:00 am, River of Life Community Church, 1250 Highway 555, Springfield, Kentucky 40069