Prodigals Community once again had the opportunity to honor the remarkable achievements of New Salem residents and graduates. Mary G.., Patrick G. and Curtis L. celebrated their successful completion of the New Salem program at the Fall Step Up service on Monday, November 7. As always, it was a joyful occasion, attended by nearly 150 people— family members, alumni and current residents and caring, supportive volunteers. After the welcome by Board chairman Mickey Boles, current residents were presented with monthly awards. Board and staff members presented certificates to the new alumni, and Kim Kennedy, Education Coordinator, presented scholarship awards to new graduates Mary G. and Curtis L. and spring graduate Latonya L. for continuing their educations at Forsyth Technical Community College. Mary is taking classes in nursing; Latonya is continuing work on her GED; and Curtis plans to resume his college education in the spring. Tommy Watson, Program Manager, gave a meaningful and heartfelt address to the new graduates. Jazz and gospel musicians Keith Byrd and Ron Hughes provided special music as did the Prodigals Community Gospel Choir. The reception afterward was hosted by Dot Warfford, Terry Moore and Allene Rodman, all dedicated volunteers. We wish the new alumni every blessing for the future.

Prodigals Community held a dedication ceremony for its prayer garden on Sunday, September 18. The garden was dedicated to the memory of Rev. Pender C. Cates, Sr., a founding member and long-time Board member of Prodigals Community. Mary Cates, wife of Rev. Cates was a guest speaker at the occasion. We are grateful also to Rev. Marilyn Weiler, Ardmore United Methodist Church, Rev. Christopher Chapman, Knollwood Baptist Church, Rev. David Williamson, First Baptist Church, and the Rev. Seely Cross for their participation in the dedication ceremony.

The prayer garden at Prodigals Community was begun several years ago under the guidance of Peggy and Dwight Haigler, members of Ardmore United Methodist Church, to provide a place where Prodigals Community residents could find peace and quiet away from neighborhood distractions. Since that time, volunteers from St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church and Knollwood Baptist Church have continued to beautify the site.

Rev. Cates, who was an ordained minister at Second Calvary Baptist Church and had been involved with Prodigals Community since 1986, served on the Board of Directors for nine years, was an active volunteer and preached frequently at Prodigals Community Monday worship services. Rev. Cates passed away in 2003.

In addition to commemorating Rev. Cates’ service to Prodigals Community, the dedication was an observance of National Recovery Month. September is designated as National Recovery Month to increase awareness of the issues related to chemical dependency and the potential recovery from this common disease. It is estimated that 63 percent of Americans’ lives have been impacted by addiction to alcohol or other drugs, either through their personal addiction or that of a friend or family member.

The third annual Prodigals Music Fest was held on October 23 at Prodigals Community. This year’s Music Fest featured: "Shiloh" from Redeemer Presbyterian Church; jazz and gospel musicians Keith Byrd and Rodney Archie; "The Group", a choir made up of local ministers and lay people; Lauren Azevedo and Cheri Sorrell; and our own Prodigals Gospel Choir. A reception hosted by Knollwood Baptist Church followed. An offering was taken for the Prodigals Medical Fund.

The Prodigals Medical Fund provides for all the medical and dental needs of New Salem residents. Health Care Access, a program founded to ensure the working poor have high-quality, low-cost medical benefits, provides Prodigals’ residents with excellent medical care. Prodigals Community pays co-pay amounts. Community Care and volunteer dentists provide needed dental services. Most of our residents are on a number of medications which often can be filled at the Crisis Control pharmacy; sometimes, however, they must be filled at local commercial pharmacies. Prodigals Community works to assure that all residents have excellent medical services without incurring huge medical liabilities.

Until late 2004, Prodigals Community provided services to an average of fifteen residents. Since that time, our average has climbed to twenty-three, which is our capacity. The enhanced need for recovery services requires more staff to properly supervise and administer the needs of more residents. We have beds for fifteen men and eight women. The increased number of residents allows us to expand our ability to meet Prodigals Property Services needs, but our expenses and program needs escalate. We average over 70 inquiries monthly from people seeking admission to Prodigals Community. This is a clear indication that the need for substance abuse recovery programs is increasing. There are no other programs like Prodigals Community in this community or in the immediate area. This problem is especially acute for those without insurance or those who are indigent.

In 2005, we have served 55 clients in our primary New Salem program. Twenty-five are currently in residence; five have completed the program; and twenty-five left early for various reasons. Thirteen of our current residents are in the junior and senior stages; four of these are in the process of finding jobs in the community. This number of residents in the advanced stages of the program represents a consistency that is unparalleled in the history of Prodigals Community. Further, it represents a commitment to recovery that affords the opportunity to live drug free as well as to develop job skills, improve decision making and attain goal setting skills.

Many have inquired concerning our ability to expand our facilities to allow us to serve more residents. Our program is based on the concept of community. A community larger than the 23 we currently serve would diminish our program’s effectiveness. For example, the increased number in groups would reduce the ability to share and get feedback, provide hiding places that addicts traditionally seek, and exceed our capacity to feed and nurture residents in meaningful ways.

The solution is not easy. It is our goal to provide services to all who meet our admissions criteria. We cannot exceed our current capacity at New Salem without severely reducing our program’s effectiveness. Our increased need comes at a time when national and local resources are tight and many agencies struggle, with some facing extinction. During our Fall Step Up, 17 alumni were present. This group represents people who completed the program from a few months ago to 10 years ago. Substance abuse addiction is a treatable disease. We are challenged to meet the needs of those seeking recovery and must find the resources to do so.

"After dinner the Prodigals’ worship service was memorable! Our members filed quietly into pews on one side of the sanctuary. As I looked around, aspects of the sanctuary made me at home: traditional wooden arches overhead, lovely stained glass windows, padded wooden pews, a huge wooden cross leaning against the wall behind the pupit, and several colorful banners with familiar scriptures. I noticed an electronic keyboard and drums for singing and soon residents, alumni, staff, and visiting family members began to sway, sing, and clap their hands to a captivating tune. Very quickly I noticed that our group was swaying, clapping, toe-tapping, nodding and joining in the lively spirit of the service too! We sang an upbeat version of "Amazing Grace" and the sanctuary resonated with voices of diverse strengths, rhythms, harmonies, and dialects, robustly singing from the depths of their souls and experience. On one simple, stirring song, a microphone was passed among the residents. In turn, each spontaneously created and sang a new verse. Then, all sang, clapped and swayed to the exciting chorus. While listening, it dawned on me that the text of each verse was the personal goal that each resident had set for that very day! What inspiration to celebrate small steps! Visitors were asked to introduce themselves, and after each, the residents chanted ‘Welcome. Glad you’re here! Keep coming back!’ Their warm and sincere welcome was overwhelming! The Prodigals choir sang several spirited, uplifting songs. Our pastor, Elizabeth Parker, brought the message. She told the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, offering hope to anyone who wants to shed their old ways and live anew in Christ. Later, when we were asked to participate in an informal breaking of bread, we passed a plate with a slice of bread. Each of us broke off a piece while we sang "Let Us Break Bread Together." It was a reverent and reflective communion.

On a personal level, I was emotionally stirred, and humbled by their time of gratitude. As they felt led, Prodigals residents and alumni stood alone and shared their stories, in their own words and expressions, in simple, uncomplicated ways. They recounted their journey; they recalled the agony of each step; they gave thanks for small victories; and they recognized those who supported them in many ways. Over and over they expressed gratitude for our desire to visit them, feed them and worship with them that night, almost as if they saw us as "angels" among them. Over and over they praised God for his transforming presence in their lives. Over and over they gave thanks for one more day of recovery, for staying sober, for staying clean of drugs. Over and over, they celebrated each step of the Prodigals program. Over and over they gave thanks for how far they had come from their addiction.

At the close of the service, we–about sixty people, diverse in age, gender, ethnic and social background, lifestyle, religious practice, skin color, body size and shape, and attire–linked arms and formed a giant circle around the sanctuary. While we sang the benediction the circle swayed pensively from side to side. While swaying, I reflected on the service, their stories, and their heartfelt gratitude. I became aware of how often I complain about the insignificant setbacks in life and how I fail to notice and give thanks to God for the smallest of blessings. Through their unique worship style and witness, I felt the profound presence of God in our midst. I can only imagine that God was smiling on His children as we worshiped together in their sanctuary that night—in the Prodigals’ way."

Spotlight on Volunteers

The Christmas season is a time of great joy, but this year it will also bring some sadness. Ed Finertie will leave Prodigals Community on December 24th to return to his home in Nebraska after spending the Christmas holidays with nearby family. Ed, a retired UCC minister, came to Prodigals on August 27, 2004, as part of the UCC’s Volunteer Ministries. He has been an integral part of Prodigals Community during his 16 months here and has been a wonderful friend to residents and staff alike. We thank him for his willingness to listen, to help, or to just be present. We will miss his upbeat personality and kind and gentle way.

Ed has been a valuable member of Prodigals Property Services, going out with the lawn, moving, painting and car wash crews. When there has been a need, he has gone out nights with the janitorial crew. His skills as a general repairman have proved invaluable in keeping Prodigals’ own properties in good repair.

Ed is also a talented musician, playing piano, recorder and guitar, as well as being an gifted singer. While here, he joined the choir at First United Church of Christ and is frequently seen at concerts in the community.

When asked what he will miss most about Prodigals Community, he replied, "The people. The stereotype of an addict in movies and TV does not tell the story of people who are educated, skilled, trades people and family members who have made mistakes and will do what is necessary to get life back together again. I will miss them."

Ed will preach at the Monday service on December 12th. If you haven’t yet had a chance to meet Ed Finertie, please come meet him then and join us in wishing him "Godspeed".