Fall Newsletter 2003

THE PRODIGAL SUN
The Newsletter of Prodigals Community
Fall 2003

by Valerie von Isenburg, Church and Community Relations Director

Happy Birthday, New Salem! What began as an incredible vision has become a well-established program that has provided hope and the tools to live out that hope to more than 500 clients.

On September 13, 1993 the first two residents entered New Salem, though the program’s roots go much farther back. The first Prodigals Community program, Prodigals House, opened in 1986 as a result of requests from inmates and ex-offenders who were meeting in support groups offered by the prison chaplaincy. The men themselves chose the name "Prodigals" and one member of the group drew the original logo. One of the first residents of Prodigals House was an inmate who had asked to remain in prison because he had nowhere else to go. In the fall of 1990, the Forsyth Prison Chaplaincy Board saw the need for a second Prodigals House as well as for a long-term therapeutic community. In 1992, the second house, provided by Calvary Moravian Church, was added. In June 1992, Prodigals Community, Inc. began as a separate ministry and planning began for the long-term program known today as New Salem. Southminster Presbyterian Church donated its buildings to the new organization and renovations began in the spring of 1993. Several changes have been made since the program’s inception: program length increased to 15 months, family program added, job-training opportunities expanded, and two additional buildings acquired for future development. But the program core remains the same: opportunity and accountability.

On Monday, September 15, a special worship service commemorating the anniversary and celebrating the lives New Salem has touched was led by alumni . The Board of Directors hosted a reception after the service.

Music Fest Features a Variety of Local Talent

Fundraiser Commemorates Tenth Anniversary

Seven musical groups and individuals performed at the Prodigals Music Fest held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 11. The fundraising event was part of the Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the New Salem Program. The performances encompassed a variety of styles of music, from classical to contemporary, from gospel to Gershwin. A reception followed the performances. Those participating included: The Ebony Gospel Chorale; soloist Eddie Bines; The Winston-Salem Children’s Chorus; Redeemer Presbyterian’s "Shiloh"; pianist Neil Maxey; jazz artist Matt Kendrick with John Wilson and Steve Blake; and the Prodigals Community Gospel Choir. Mark Craddock served as emcee for the event. We are grateful to all these who freely shared their talents.

Many volunteers assisted in the event. Thanks go to Music Fest Committee members: Elizabeth Davis, Kaye Henighan, Dolores McGee, George Shouse, and David Wooten. Kudos also to Brian Haskell of Redeemer Presbyterian who managed the sound system; Linda Shouse of Trinity Moravian Church, who chaired the reception; Betsy Annese of Ardmore Moravian Church who helped with publicity; Marjorie Northup, member of St. Paul’s Episcopal who handled ticket sales. Special thanks also go to the Secular Franciscans, Trinity Moravian Church, and Don Hayes who supplied cookies for the reception.

One of our current residents, Anne, said of the Music Fest, "All the choirs did a wonderful job. I appreciate the people who showed up to support us. That meant a lot to me."

A Look to the Future of Prodigals Community

Don Moore, Executive Director

Like most non-profit agencies, Prodigals Community faces survival issues that relate to the downturn of our national economy. It is hard to think about where we are going when we are confronted with getting through this day and the next month or quarter. It is something we must do. It is essential that we address substance abuse recovery that is exacerbated by economic conditions that result in enormous costs to our society as well as family disintegration and wasted lives. What is our strategy?

We serve an average of 18 residents at any time. These residents represent an extended network involving several hundred people whose lives are directly effected by substance abuse. We initiated our family recovery program last fall that is successful in teaching and building skills that assist families in dealing with substance abuse issues. What we detect is that we have barely scratched the surface in identifying needs of people whose lives are disrupted by substance abuse that represent a web that extends outward to include much if not all our population. We must and will continue this thrust that not only involves families of our residents but others who battle this issue daily and who are frustrated and oftentimes hopeless in this fight.

Those who are addicted to debilitating substances continue to spiral. We will focus on chronic relapsers who have been to several treatment and recovery institutions. We will guard our growth to the point we do not lose our effectiveness; that is, working with a controlled population with an intense and rigorous program that demands accountability and awareness. Our projected growth is in the area of extensive family education and recovery that we will share and lead in making our community more aware of the devastating and costly consequences of addiction.

Our goal is to continue to do what we do best with an emphasis upon sharing what works with those who struggle with substance abuse addiction individually, in families, on the job, with friends and with neighbors. It is a rigorous and extensive task but one that Prodigals Community is committed to and will not shirk. At a recent conference the question was posed "What would it be like if there were no nonprofit agencies?" In regard to substance abuse addiction, the question is too horrible to contemplate. We will provide services to those whose needs are greatest. We will not fail this commitment.

Alumni/ae News

Staff News

Alumni of New Salem and Prodigals House planned and led Monday Night Worship on September 15. The service celebrated the Tenth Anniversary of New Salem/Prodigals Community and featured music, testimonies and an original skit by the alumni. Participating in the service were: Richard B., Cindy D., Elaine D., Dorothy T., Danny D., Kim D., Ron J., David L., Deborah M., Tommy M., Harriet R., James S., John S., Alphonsa T., Lee T., Kenny W., and Jeff W.
: The Alumni welcome their newest member, Kenny W., who was recognized at the Fall Step-Up Service. Congratulations to Darlis (F.) H. who was married on June 14! Also, congratulations to Tommy M. who was married in July! Harriet Rhodes has begun a new job at the Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. Harriet R. and Len S. were recipients of scholarships at the Fall Step-Up Service. Sympathy is extended to Elaine D. in the loss of her husband, Frank.

Lauren Raimer served at Prodigals this past summer as Summer Intern sponsored by the North Carolina Baptist Convention. Lauren is a Texas native and a pre-med student at Wake Forest University where she is a member of the Living Parables drama group. Marlin Yoder and his family moved to Danville, Va. in August. Marlin was responsible for Facilities Maintenance at Prodigals. Frank Dessel, former staff member at Prodigals Community, passed away on July 21. Frank held several positions at Prodigals House and at New Salem. A memorial service was held at Prodigals Community. James Stout has joined the Prodigals staff as Resident Assistant.

Summer Intern Gains Insider’s View

Neil Maxey, Administrative/Technical Assistant

Each summer for the past several years, the North Carolina Baptist State Convention has sponsored a Summer Intern at Prodigals Community through its Student Summer Missions Program. This past summer Lauren Raimer served in that position, bringing a multitude of gifts and talents to the community. While here, Lauren lived in the Sisters’ House, assisted with administrative work and taught a drama class for the residents. Lauren, a native of Texas, is in her senior year at Wake Forest University.

Lauren became acquainted with Prodigals Community through the "Living Parables" drama group at Wake Forest University, having performed several times at Prodigals’ Monday Night Worship. Lauren spoke of her time here, "Living on-site and participating in every aspect of the community has given me a unique insider’s view. Prodigals is indeed a community in the true sense of the word. Even in my short time here I have seen lives transformed as people become aware of their self-centeredness and surrender to God’s love."

Lauren won the respect of staff and residents alike. One resident said of Lauren, "Having Lauren here this summer was a vital part of me accepting where I am. You see, Lauren and I are the same age and graduated from high school at the same time. We’ve just chosen slightly different paths. She was a great hope and model of what I want to do with my life."

Program Alumnus "Gives Back"

by Deborah Martin, Program Assistant

The streets were dark and cold, and I was tired. Where was I going to go, what was I going to eat, how did I end up this way? It started a long time ago. I began using crack cocaine and before I knew it I was being evicted from my apartment. My children and I stayed in the shelter. After being placed in the projects things got worse. I used more frequently and again I was evicted. I felt hopeless. My kids and I stayed in the shelter again. After a period of days the landlord had all of my belongings dumped in a landfill. The twins’ father came and got them. I had lost everything. I felt I had nothing to live for. I took to the streets, staying from one place to another. Life on the streets was rough but I could not seem to stop using.

So here I was five years later searching for a way out of this mess. I went to CenterPoint and was admitted to ARCA from there. After being there 14 days I pleaded with my counselor to let me stay. I did not want to return to the streets and that lifestyle. She heard my plea and arranged for me to have an extended stay while we both searched for a place for me to go for long term treatment.

I was admitted to Prodigals Community in September of 1997 where I remained for 21 months. I slowly began to learn to live again, drug-free. The twins’ Dad brought them to see me on weekends. I was so happy. Prodigals helped me turn my life around. I completed the program and went to live in after-care housing. I signed a contract to do a one-year internship. While working, I went to school and received a certificate as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I also took credit courses for the RN program. I am now a proud homeowner. I spend lots of time with my children. I am employed at Prodigals Community as Program Assistant and now I can help others to get their lives back on track and learn to live drug-free.

Be an angel!

Can you help with the following needed items?

• Used cars for graduates and for car sales

• Dishes, flatware

• Picnic tables

• Twin size sheets, towels and washcloths

Christmas at Prodigals Community
: You can support Prodigals’ ministry in special ways during the holidays:; •For a contribution of $5.00 or more per name we will be happy to send a card designed for Prodigals Community by artist Prissy Armfield to the people on your mailing list.; •Choose a name from the residents’ Christmas wish tree and help make the holidays extra-special for someone who has frequently spent Christmas living on the streets or in a homeless shelter.; •Help make the holiday meals special for our residents and their families by donating hams, turkeys and other holiday foods for the Prodigals’ Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.; Call Valerie von Isenburg at 785-0770 for more information.

Spotlight on Volunteers

For more than five years, Volunteer George Griswold has assisted Junior and Senior residents in preparing resumes, developing career plans and goal setting. George recently "retired" from this position and residents honored him for his service with a reception and special gift.
: Thanks go to the work team from Knollwood Baptist Church who recently did landscaping work at the New Salem Campus. For several years, the HomeRun group from Wake Forest University has prepared and shared in a meal weekly with Prodigals residents. We thank them for their faithful support! Thanks to First Presbyterian for providing the reception following the fall Step-Up Service. Thanks also go to Fraternity Church of the Brethren for providing the reception at the Step-Up Service last May. We are also grateful to the many churches who bring dinners before Monday night worship.
: If you or your church group are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at Prodigals Community, please call Valerie von Isenburg at 785-0770.

Prodigals Property Services

Raking and Miscellaneous Yard Work

Commercial Janitorial Services

Residential and Commercial Painting

Small Moving Jobs

Car Wash Available in Good Weather

For estimates or more information, call Chuck at 785-0770, ext. 111

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NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE

© 2003 Prodigals Community
PO Box 12451 Winston-Salem, NC 27117-2451 Telephone 336-785-0770 FAX 336-785-4647
E-mail:prodigals@prodigals.org