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August 2010 Newsletter

This year has seen positive changes in personnel and has marked two major steps forward. We have continued into year three of our life-changing mission at the Path of Grace with an excellent team of devoted women, who know their recovery, that make up our staff.

Marilyn Stevenson has served as house mother since the Fall of 2008. In March she accepted full-time leadership of the Path of Grace as Resident Manager. She runs a tight ship and demonstrates, through her example, that recovery and a new way of life are possible. Living with up to seven women in early sobriety is a 24/7 challenge and she coordinates their activities and supervises both the Home and Thrift Store operations.

Jayne Maddox has served as Marilyn?s right hand and assistant house mother since spring of this year. Her personal experience and success in our program is an asset to our residents. She has been vital in making the thrift store a success through her personality and positive attitude. Jayne and Marilyn?s dedication is a vital component of everything we do at the Path of Grace.

Leslie Steinberg brings her expertise and guidance to the women in her capacity of Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addiction Professional. She faithfully leads a weekly group therapy session that helps the women deal with a variety of issues and that enhances our recovery program.

Thanks to this committed staff and the principles we employ, our structured residence has been a beneficial opportunity for nearly 50 women and their families since we opened our doors on May 4, 2008. Six women have completed the program and all of them are sober today. Of the residents who stayed various lengths of time, but did not complete the program, over 50% are sober at last report.

We also thank our many volunteers who teach a Bible Study, sponsor the residents, or lend their talents or services. Currently eight local churches support our activities, most recently the Santa Rosa Community Church added us to their community mission outreach for 2010.

In February we leased a house on Hwy 331 and converted it into a thrift store to support our mission financially and to provide a safe work place for our residents. It serves the community?s needs and gives our organization visibility. Generous donations from the community have helped us to defray our operating expenses.

Last year the St. Joe Co. gave us a building so we could expand our capacity at the Path of Grace and help even more women and their families. We raised the $40,000 we needed to move the building to our location. In July we obtained permission to move the building to our property; it has been reassembled adjacent to the Home in Freeport. Many challenges remain in modifying the building to suit our needs. With some volunteer assistance and hopefully some help raising the needed funds, we are cautiously projecting this building to be in service in Spring of 2011.

We welcome new board members: Misty Parenzan, Eddie Mansfield, Linda Christie, Dale Reily and Linda Boswell. Each of them bring a heart of service and special gifts as we grow together for the future.

The Canaan Foundation was chosen this year as the special project of the Emerald Coast Advertising Federation and their affiliated public relations group. They have been working on new promotional and informative material for us which should be complete soon.

The aging A/C unit at the Path of Grace conked out on the 1st of August, the hottest month of the year. An anonymous benefactor provided a new heat pump and it was installed by a volunteer technician in recovery on short notice, saving the day. This and many other timely provisions like the van made available last year by A Simple Faith Church remind us of God?s hand working behind the scenes and blessing our combined individual efforts.

On behalf of the staff, the Board of Directors, the residents at the Path of Grace and their families and the others we seek to help, we extend our gratitude to every Circle of 100 member, every encouraging voice, every generous donor, everyone who wielded a hammer, shovel or pushed a lawnmower, picked up donations or helped sort through them--and especially to all of you who have kept us in your prayers.

Please keep us in mind if you know anyone struggling to free themselves from the bonds of addiction. Marilyn (850-259-3823) or myself (850-974-4573) are always available.
 
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