The Salvation Army’s Renewal Place Graduation Celebrates a Life Restored After Three Decades of Homelessness

Memphis, Tennessee, April 27, 2010 – On Thursday, April 15, a woman who had spent most of her adult-life broken and consumed by drugs celebrated two-and-a-half years of sobriety and her restored life during her graduation from The Salvation Army’s Renewal Place program, a two-year program for homeless, drug-addicted women and their children.

Kathleen Jones, 48, made the transition to being a stronger, more stable individual after 30 years of being homeless. Her story is a true testament to what a determined individual can accomplish with the help of others, and she serves as an inspiration to those who think there is no hope.

Kathleen’s addiction to drugs created a seemingly endless cycle of drifting in-and-out of treatments centers, destroying relationships and losing all her material possessions. She was on the verge of also losing her children and her life when she had a singular moment of clarity.

“It was December 31, 2007, and I told my daughters we were going to church for the New Year’s Eve service and to pray for me to be a better mother and person,” Kathleen explained. “My daughters and I prayed for me to have the strength to provide us a better life, and a week later, I got a room at Renewal Place.”

Two-and-a-half years later, Kathleen is sober, stronger and feels she has truly been renewed. Kathleen now understands the importance of responsibility, self-discipline and self-control from her participation in the program’s parenting classes, drug and alcohol classes and one-on-one counseling. The director of Renewal Place, Sharon Cash, praised Kathleen for her intense work ethic, commending her for her positive character and undeniable determination throughout her time at Renewal Place.

“Once Kathleen settled into the program, she took on the challenges of recovery with full force and became a leader and inspiration for the other women in the program,” Cash said. “Kathleen blossomed during her journey with us, and her character has truly shined. She transformed into a wonderful mother and mentor, and all the other women in the program feel safe when Kathleen is around.”

Throughout the ceremony, Kathleen’s case managers and counselors saluted her for her openness and willingness to change and for her dedication to achieving her goals. Kathleen’s family members, as well as Renewal Place alumni, attended the ceremony to honor her accomplishments.

Kathleen’s constant drive to succeed resulted not only in an amazing recovery, but also led to Kathleen earning her GED and becoming involved with the Memphis Botanic Garden, where she volunteers in the youth education department.

Kathleen has been hired by Tinker Tots Learning Academy and will continue to volunteer at Memphis Botanic Garden. With a stable job, she will be able to live independently with her two daughters – Jasmine and Janissa. She understands hardships lie ahead as she enters life outside of the program, but she feels confident she has the ability to make the right choices due to the lessons she has learned at Renewal Place.

“I’m so thankful for this program and the people involved for showing me another way,” Kathleen said. “I’m so blessed to have found a place where believing that you can is the only option. I look forward to my future and to continue my involvement with The Salvation Army, the place where I was reborn.”

Jasmine spoke during the ceremony to express her gratitude to the staff of Renewal Place for helping her mother restore her “health, happiness and ability to make smart choices.”

“I’m so proud of my amazing mother,” Jasmine shared with attendees. “I know she is graduating from the present, looking forward to her future, while leaving her past behind.”

Renewal Place also recognized Kathleen’s daughters for their bravery and courage throughout the recovery process. Janissa, Kathleen’s youngest daughter, lived with Kathleen during her time at Renewal Place, and Kathleen’s sister took care of Jasmine. The three of them look forward to starting their renewed lives together.

Renewal Place has a phenomenal success rate. To date, 100 percent of the last Renewal Place graduating class have remained employed, sober and active members of the alumni program. Overall, the Renewal Place program has about an 80 percent rate of success with women who complete the program. Each year, Renewal Place houses approximately 65 women and their children. This program is part of The Salvation Army’s outreach in Memphis.

For more information on the Renewal Place program or The Salvation Army, please visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 129 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.

The Salvation Army began its work in Memphis on October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of The Salvation Army’s work in Memphis are four core ministries: The Purdue Center of Hope, a facility that houses three shelters for homeless women and children; the Adult Rehabilitation Center, a work-therapy program for men; the local Corps which provide neighborhood outreach and support; and the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, which once construction is complete, will offer programs in the arts, education, recreation and worship. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Emily Fletcher
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 238-7443
Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260-9130