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Updated: 9:50 AM Nov 2, 2009
Women's transition house to open in Jacksboro
The Shepherd's Home in Jacksboro is pulling community resources together to provide shelter and support for up to nine recovering women - through classes, supervision and employment. Posted: 12:25 AM Nov 2, 2009Reporter: Sara Shookman Email Address: sara.shookman@wvlt-tv.com |
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JACKSBORO, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Nearly 90 percent of all crimes committed in Campbell County are drug-related. Many of those come from repeat offenders.
A new home hopes to help women recover from drug abuse and prison time without relapsing. The Shepherd's Home in Jacksboro is pulling community resources together to provide shelter and support for up to nine recovering women - through classes, supervision and employment.
"Shepherds don't whip the sheep with they go astray, they guide them back in. That's what we hope this will be," says Christine Morris, a ministry leader for Celebrate Recovery.
"I can't wait to shake hands with a women who walks out of this facility and says 'God has blessed me, gave me a new hope, and a new life,'" says Larry Tanis, president of the board for the new home.
When female drug offenders leave prison, the freedom often lends itself to relapse.
"The odds of them getting back in prison are very high, around 70 percent," says Tanis.
"Every since we've had contact with women with these sorts of needs, we've been asked for a place to go," says Morris.
First Baptist provided the home at a dollar's rent per year and, with donated remodeling efforts, the ribbon is cut. The rehabilitation program will be faith-based, with the state's support.
"I've seen how the systems failed citizens. And since programs like this have come along it's been a tremendous success in their communities," says Rep. Chad Faulkner (R), 36th District.
Campbell County drug court will offer beds to those who need it most. Community-raised funds will support the project.
"We don't have the funding we need. We're just stepping out believing God is going to provide," says Morris.
For a county riddled with drug crime, the hope is the transition house will lead women to a new chance at life. "We all need second chances, third, fourth, fifth chances," says Morris.
The first five residents of the Shepherd's Home will come from the county's drug court recommendations. They hope to move sometime this month.
Latest Comments
Thanks for reporting such a wonderful story. It is so nice to see Gods love extended in our community. Very newsworthy story. Every person deserves a second, third even fourth and fitth chance and these people are giving them just that. God Bless WVLT and The Shepherd's Home.
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Yes it sure is good to read of hope and help being given when it is needed. We need news like this. It gives us some light when there is a lot of darkness, and it is inspiring for your readers to realize we too can make a difference.
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It is great to see news focused on positive things happening in the community. Reporter Sara Shookman was very professional and very open to suggestions and facts about the home. Thanks for your coverage Channel 8 and sending a top reporter to cover this event.
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