Inspiring Women Graduate from Two-Year Rehabilitation Program

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, January 29, 2009 - On Friday, January 23, 2009 two extraordinary women and four children graduated from The Salvation Army’s Renewal Place program, a two-year program for homeless chemically addicted women and their children. 

The program focused on the women’s remarkable journeys to recovery. They both entered the Renewal Place, defeated, broken and crippled by addiction. Two years after entering the program, Sabrina Johnson and Lynna Johnson (no relation) have grown into strong, responsible caretakers for their children and are ready to live independent, healthy lives.

The graduation ceremony included testimonies of both women; a dance performance by The Renewal Place Praise Dancers; a tribute in song to the Renewal Place children; and a dance by the graduating children: Jacqueline, Jasmine and Jordan. Crystal flames were presented to each graduate as a reminder of their journey and achievements.

“The Renewal Place is a one-of-a-kind program. It provides the opportunity for women and their children to take the steps toward recovery together,” said Major Mark Woodcock, Area Commander for The Salvation Army. “Many mothers come to us from abusive or addictive backgrounds, and it is important not to leave their children in those environments. Our program enables the women to beat their addictions, and to provide a better life for their children and themselves.”  

In order to graduate from the Renewal Place program, Lynna and Sabrina completed drug and alcohol rehabilitation classes, passed parenting and financial training courses, received counseling to help them understand their addictions, and completed all five phases of the program. Both women have gained guaranteed employment and places of residence. Sabrina and her two sons, Jordan and Jayden, entered the program through a court order. When she first arrived, counselors described her as hard-hearted and raw. Jordan was unmanageable, almost too unruly to remain in the public school system. Jayden, born exposed to Sabrina’s drug habits during pregnancy, was suffering from developmental temporary deafness. After intensive counseling and a regained faith, the family began to make positive developments. Sabrina is now a devoted and loving mother, Jordan is an honor roll student and Jayden has regained all hearing capabilities.

Sabrina and her sons plan to return to Humboldt, Tennessee where she will work as an office clerk. She has also earned her cake-decorating certification and will work part-time in a bakery.

“It took something like the Renewal Place to wake me up to the beautiful side of life,” said Sabrina. “It’s a life-changing program for the people who actually want to change their lives. God is all over this place; and even once we leave, we will take all of the lessons and love back home. Who am I not to take the opportunity He has given me?”

Lynna Johnson and her three children have all been negatively impacted by drug and alcohol abuse.  As a result, Lynna has custody of her two granddaughters, Jacqueline and Jasmine, who entered the Renewal Place program with Lynna two years ago. Jacqueline and Jasmine were very reserved when they first arrived. After time, patience and tutoring, Jacqueline maintains a 4.2 GPA, is an active member of Girls, Inc., a program dedicated to the growth and empowerment of young women, and is a “Who’s Who” at her junior high school. Jasmine, who was believed to have a learning disability, is now a bright and energetic student dedicated to good grades.   Grandmother Lynna has completed all phases of the Renewal Place program. 

Now they have graduated, Sabrina and Lynna now enter a one year after-care phase. Sabrina will visit the Renewal Place once a month and attend a partnership pathways program in Humboldt once a week. Lynna will meet with Renewal Place counselors once a week. This structure enables them to give back to the program by sharing their experiences, and it helps keep them from becoming overwhelmed at living outside the program.

The graduation ceremony will take place at The Purdue Center of Hope, 696 Jackson Ave., Memphis.

To-date, 90 percent of the last Renewal Place graduating class have remained employed, drug-free and active members of the alumni program. Overall, the Renewal Place program has between a 75-80 percent success rate with women who completed the program. At least 50 percent of the women who entered the program, even if they left before graduation, have made a positive recovery.

About The Salvation Army
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.

In 2007, The Salvation Army Memphis helped more than 17,855 people, provided more than 65,000 nights of lodging, and served 208,251 meals and snacks. For more information on our work, visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Abby Turner
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130