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Four Women Graduate from
Life-changing Rehabilitation Program
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, November 7, 2007 - On Thursday, November 8, at 2 p.m., four
remarkable women and their seven children, will graduate from Renewal Place, The
Salvation Army's two-year drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.
Each of these women entered the program defeated, addicted and homeless. They had hit
rock-bottom and needed help, but they didn't want to enter a rehabilitation
program where they had to leave their children behind.
"The Renewal Place program is the only program in the Memphis-area that keeps families
together," said Major Mark Woodcock, Area Commander, The Salvation Army.
"Because these women can bring their children with them, they are motivated to
beat their addictions and work towards creating a better future for themselves
and their children. Oftentimes their home environment is abusive and addictive
and they do not want to leave their children in it."
In order to graduate, each woman completed drug and alcohol rehabilitation, parenting
classes, psychological counseling to help them understand the reasons they
became addicted, and phase two recovery. Additionally, each woman developed
skills they will need once they leave the Renewal Place program; Rochelle Hines
studied for and passed her GED, Venus McCarthy became a licensed cosmetologist;
Carolyn Branch took a refresher course in computer training and is now employed
as a receptionist, and Denise Marshall learned how to care for her three special
needs children. Over the past two years, each woman has addressed their past
debt and legal issues.
"Since the very beginning the staff supported me," said McCarthy. "I admit I can be pretty
hardheaded sometimes, but they were patient and helped me learn. When I needed
it they would chastise me, but in a godly way out of love, but at the same time
they never hesitated to give me praise. The help was always there and I thank
God every day for it - it has given me and my son a future."
After the graduation ceremony, each of the families will live independently for the first
time in two years. They will enter the aftercare phase, meeting with staff
weekly for the next year to keep from getting overwhelmed. Each Renewal Place
graduate will begin to give back to the program by sharing experiences,
strength, and hope with those who have just entered the program.
The graduation ceremony will take place at The Purdue Center of Hope, 696 Jackson Ave, Memphis.
Since its inception in 2001, Renewal Place has graduated 22 families. Of the 22 mothers:
• 18 have remained sober, are living in permanent housing and are employed.
• Four relapsed.
• Six have purchased houses.
• 17 have been reunited with children who were living in foster care.
About The Salvation Army Memphis
The Salvation Army Memphis began its work in the city 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 is a common belief that all people can make
positive changes. The Salvation Army believes in the healing power of
compassion, love, dignity and respect, and use these principles to guide our
actions and words.
The Salvation Army values the transforming power of God and
the salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior. The
Salvation Army believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the
mind, body and spirit.
Every year, The Salvation Army Memphis helps more than
27,000 people, provides more than 60,000 nights of lodging, and serves more than
200,000 meals and snacks.
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CONTACT:
Abby More
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233
Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130
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