Created by a group of individuals with a heart for those struggling with addiction in November of 2007, the foundation hit the ground running in its mission to help addicts and their families. The charter board quickly saw the need for a women?s residence and set creating one as a primary goal.
Thanks to the generosity of the board, many local businesses and individuals and as the result of many volunteers wielding shovels, hammers, paintbrushes etc. the Path of Grace Home began operation on May 4th 2008. On opening day four women were admitted. Prior to that time, there was no service like ours in Walton County.
We currently have a census of eight residents at the Path of Grace with a wide range of time in the program. There are three women on our waiting list and we receive several calls a week about our program. Our highest priority is to expand our capacity to meet this need.
We have helped 22 women and their families since we got started. The residents are encouraged to stay involved after they leave and maintain their sobriety through service to others.
Marcia Johnson has handled the many challenges that are inevitable in a project like ours. With her recovery experience, leadership and dedication we have developed a first-rate program for women.
Among our volunteers to date are dentists, Johnny Savage, George Keith, and Mary Hencinski. They have done pro bono work for our residents, joining local lawyers, accountants and other professionals who share their gifts with us.
We have had volunteers lead weekly Bible studies, Tai Chi lessons, nutrition classes, art lessons and knitting classes.
There are approximately two acres under cultivation on the premises in Freeport. Last year a successful crop of corn was produced, even with a late start. This year promises more.
The women have performed community service with Alaqua Animal Refuge and Fuller Center for Housing, and actively pursue other service opportunities.
Two residents were baptized for the first time last year. As a group the residents occasionally visit different local churches for a variety of experience; and to share their testimony.
Marcia and I have visited several other recovery organizations and spoken with various church outreach committees. So far, five local congregations have committed to supporting our efforts . I am confident that many more will partner with us, as we offer our services and acquaint them with our mission.
We have established good working relationships with the COPE Center, Sheriff?s Office, local court system and probation officers.
We had three major fundraising events: ?How Sweet the Sound? with Verlon Thompson, the 1sr Annual Burnt Pine Golf Tournament, and ?The Christmas Party of the Year? with Corey McKern and Chandra Egger. All were very successful. Plans are being made to repeat these events in 2009 and hopefully they will be even better, because of positive word of mouth.
We had several other fundraising activities: Bingo Events, Yard Sales, the 1st Annual Beachcomber Music Awards and Silver Sands Evening of Giving. These all brought in revenue and gave us valuable exposure.
Other planned major thrusts include corporate sponsors, grant requests and a purpose-built retail thrift store to ensure our future as a life-changing organization.
We have made it through our start-up year, made great progress and touched many lives. This was made possible by the hearts, hands and financial support of too many volunteers to list. Thank you for all we have achieved together, on behalf of those we have helped to find recovery.
Our plans for growth include a Transitional House for graduates of the Path of Grace Program, a Thrift Store in Freeport to fund our operating costs and growth and to provide jobs for the residents, and most importantly to expand our present women?s facility.
We welcome your partnership to help us continue making a difference in lives and in the community.
Please visit our website Flash Intro Page for more information.
Thanks to the generosity of the board, many local businesses and individuals and as the result of many volunteers wielding shovels, hammers, paintbrushes etc. the Path of Grace Home began operation on May 4th 2008. On opening day four women were admitted. Prior to that time, there was no service like ours in Walton County.
We currently have a census of eight residents at the Path of Grace with a wide range of time in the program. There are three women on our waiting list and we receive several calls a week about our program. Our highest priority is to expand our capacity to meet this need.
We have helped 22 women and their families since we got started. The residents are encouraged to stay involved after they leave and maintain their sobriety through service to others.
Marcia Johnson has handled the many challenges that are inevitable in a project like ours. With her recovery experience, leadership and dedication we have developed a first-rate program for women.
Among our volunteers to date are dentists, Johnny Savage, George Keith, and Mary Hencinski. They have done pro bono work for our residents, joining local lawyers, accountants and other professionals who share their gifts with us.
We have had volunteers lead weekly Bible studies, Tai Chi lessons, nutrition classes, art lessons and knitting classes.
There are approximately two acres under cultivation on the premises in Freeport. Last year a successful crop of corn was produced, even with a late start. This year promises more.
The women have performed community service with Alaqua Animal Refuge and Fuller Center for Housing, and actively pursue other service opportunities.
Two residents were baptized for the first time last year. As a group the residents occasionally visit different local churches for a variety of experience; and to share their testimony.
Marcia and I have visited several other recovery organizations and spoken with various church outreach committees. So far, five local congregations have committed to supporting our efforts . I am confident that many more will partner with us, as we offer our services and acquaint them with our mission.
We have established good working relationships with the COPE Center, Sheriff?s Office, local court system and probation officers.
We had three major fundraising events: ?How Sweet the Sound? with Verlon Thompson, the 1sr Annual Burnt Pine Golf Tournament, and ?The Christmas Party of the Year? with Corey McKern and Chandra Egger. All were very successful. Plans are being made to repeat these events in 2009 and hopefully they will be even better, because of positive word of mouth.
We had several other fundraising activities: Bingo Events, Yard Sales, the 1st Annual Beachcomber Music Awards and Silver Sands Evening of Giving. These all brought in revenue and gave us valuable exposure.
Other planned major thrusts include corporate sponsors, grant requests and a purpose-built retail thrift store to ensure our future as a life-changing organization.
We have made it through our start-up year, made great progress and touched many lives. This was made possible by the hearts, hands and financial support of too many volunteers to list. Thank you for all we have achieved together, on behalf of those we have helped to find recovery.
Our plans for growth include a Transitional House for graduates of the Path of Grace Program, a Thrift Store in Freeport to fund our operating costs and growth and to provide jobs for the residents, and most importantly to expand our present women?s facility.
We welcome your partnership to help us continue making a difference in lives and in the community.
Please visit our website Flash Intro Page for more information.
