Rickman Native Returns Home To Operate Recovery Center

The need for a drug and alcohol recovery center in Overton County evident after a new program has almost reached capacity in just a few weeks.

Hope Center Ministries has opened a new facility in Rickman. Director Jed Stevens said the program can house 30 people. Twenty-five beds are already filled.

“We work with the court systems we do furloughs out of the local jails,” Stevens said. “Instead of doing jail time, actually getting furloughed here and doing their time here, so that way we can try to break that cycle.”

Stevens said the 12-month recovery plan has three phases to give patients the tools to succeed. Stevens said the center partners with I Am Worship church to provide counseling, life skills and vocational training.

“We teach responsibilities and priorities, so whenever they get into the second phase, we actually send them out to vocational training,” Stevens said. “So when they graduate, they actually have a skill set they can carry on a career with and help them financially.”

Stevens said once a resident reaches the third phase, individuals will work with a team to create an after-care plan. Stevens said the center tries to find a permanent residence and transportation for a resident.

“It’s set up like a half-way house,” Stevens said. “When they reach the third phase, they will be able to get their cell phones. If they have a license and insurance, they are allowed to have their vehicle on campus. They are able to drive to wherever they work and they can stay at the center for two months. We have a team that will help for two-months to guide them to help them on the plan.”

Stevens was an addict himself for 11 years from Rickman. Stevens said he participated in the program, graduated and wanted to bring the service back to his hometown.