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THE PRODIGAL SUN The Newsletter of Prodigals Community Spring 2001

Community Shows Gratitude for Legacy
Two Celebrations at Prodigals Community Provide Times for Many to Thank Jeff
by Neil Maxey

     “I’ve got some gratitude…” is a phrase heard often at Prodigals Community worship services. Residents, alumni, board members, staff, volunteers, and friends recently joined in giving their gratitude for Jeff Coppage’s ministry and his role in shaping Prodigals Community at two special services of thanksgiving.
     Many former residents returned to Prodigals Community on February 26 to express their appreciation for Jeff. Following a meal prepared by the alumni, they led in the worship service by sharing about how Jeff had influenced them in their recovery and in other areas of their lives.
     The entire community commemorated Jeff’s “legacy of love” at a service and reception held at Prodigals Community on March 5. Rev. Pender Cates and Marjorie Northup, board members and two of the early leaders in the establishment of Prodigals Community, opened the service. The Prodigals Community Gospel Choir, along with alumnus Lee Thompson, provided inspirational singing. Board members Dolores McGee and Norris Hutchins presented Jeff with gifts from the board. Afterwards, members of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Home Moravian Church, and St. John’s Lutheran Women in Mission hosted the reception.
    A highlight of the evening was when Rev. Bill Yates, board chair, closed his message by asking those whose lives had been blessed by Jeff’s life and ministry to stand. The entire congregation rose to their feet in unison in a show of love and appreciation, and to “give some gratitude!”

Jeff Coppage, former Pastor/Director of Prodigals Community, left in February to begin a new job as Program Associate at the Winston-Salem Foundation.

New Salem Residents Have Class
Education Program Promotes Recovery

by Don Moore
Education Coordinator/ Computer Teacher

     Upon arrival at Prodigals, residents generally have many blocks to learning due to the preeminence of the chemical addiction that destroys brain cells and the ability to process or problem solve logically. Most have been out of contact with the educational process for an extended period of time. However, once residents are restored to some degree of physical, mental, and emotional health and clear away their fears of academics and incompetence, learning that they can learn makes all aspects of recovery easier. Approximately half of the residents do not have a high school diploma. The remaining half is generally rusty and need renovation of academic skills regardless of prior educational achievements.
     Within their first week in the program, residents are tested to identify their basic educational level and identify areas of strengths and weaknesses. Residents are regarded as individuals and individual plans are developed based on a number of factors such as background, stability, etc.  All residents, regardless of academic credentials, are placed in GED level classes during orientation. As they progress in the program, they may be moved to more advanced levels. Over the past three years, three residents have passed the GED.  As residents move to more advanced stages, they may be allowed to focus upon writing or research projects that involve their recovery. Upon reaching junior stage, residents are eligible to attend Forsyth Tech to take classes on site.
     In addition to paid instructors from Forsyth Tech, a number of volunteers tutor residents in specific areas. All volunteers are oriented before working in the educational program.

Letter from the Former Pastor/Director
This is an excerpt from the letter Jeff Coppage wrote announcing his resignation from Prodigals Community..

Dear Friends,
      Perhaps you have heard by now that I am leaving Prodigals Community as Pastor/Director as of February 8th to accept a new job at the Winston-Salem Foundation. As you can imagine, this has been a big decision that I have considered thoughtfully and prayerfully. Because of your part in the Prodigals Community family, I want to thank you personally from the bottom of my heart for your caring and generous support for men and women making difficult and courageous first steps away from chronic drug abuse. You are like invisible, and visible, angels who uphold this community by your faith, prayers, volunteer efforts, and financial support. THANK YOU!!
          ... I have been exceedingly fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of such a vital work of God’s as Prodigals Community. Having a clear discernment of this decision to move on in no way diminishes my assurance that God is working in a mighty way within this community. Please honor this fact through your continued support for each and every man and woman who comes here through the “Welcome Home” entrance way. To welcome people in pain within the love of Christ remains the heart and soul of Prodigals Community...
      Prodigals Community is blessed to be at a time of strength. We have a strong board, strong staff, a fantastic alumni association, and angels like you who uphold the community. Most of all, residents here are working a rigorous recovery program, which is centered in their reconnection to God, themselves, and others. An experienced management team is in place to proceed with today’s duties and the dreams for tomorrow.
      May God bless you even as you continue to be a blessing to others!

With hope,

Jeff

Welcome, Heather!

    Prodigals Community is looking forward to the arrival of Heather McClain in early June. She will be with us for ten weeks. Prodigals  Community is fortunate in being able to partner with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina in providing young people a mission opportunity through which they will be challenged and grow. The students we have been sent from the Convention in the past have been wonderful additions to our community and have stayed in touch with our residents long after they completed their internships. They infuse our ministry with a renewed sense of purpose and affirmation of its mission.
     Heather selected Prodigals as the place she wanted to serve a summer internship through the NC Baptist State Convention.  Heather,  a sophomore at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC, is a Business Administration major and a Psychology minor. Her tentative choice of vocation is  counselor. She is from Julian, NC.
     Heather has been active in missions with the Baptist Student Union, is on the Dean’s List, the President’s List and is a Presidential Scholar. She has worked as an assistant teacher in a preschool program and as a resident assistant at Campbell. We know Heather will be a wonderful asset to Prodigals Community.
     We are grateful to the NC Baptist State Convention for providing us with a talented young person who will share her gifts and her enthusiasm for missions with all of us.

Step-Up Held on May 7

    On Monday, May 7th, Prodigals Community held its Spring Step-Up service to celebrate and honor a man who has successfully completed the 15-month residential New Salem program. The service honoring James Stout was held in the Prodigals Community Sanctuary. Rev. Jeff Coppage, former Pastor/Director gave the keynote address and the Prodigals Community Gospel Choir provided special music. Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church hosted the reception which followed the service. James now has a full-time job in the community.
     In addition to honoring the graduate, current residents who had distinguished themselves in specific areas were presented with awards for their achievements. Education scholarships were awarded to alumnaess Harriet Rhodes and Truddie Spriggs.
     The New Salem program is  highly-structured, with a minimum commitment of 15 months. It is based on three models: contemporary therapeutic communities, the Moravian town of Salem, and the 12-Step program. A graduated level system is used for privileges and responsibilities.
      Residents of New Salem spend 78 hours a week in structured activities related to spiritual growth, education, vocational training and substance abuse recovery.
      Residents work off nearly 40% of their program costs themselves through participation in our Prodigals Property Services painting, janitorial and car care businesses.

Update from the Board

    The Board of Directors is moving ahead in the process of hiring a new director. They have retained the services of a consultant who has helped them establish a process to use in hiring a new director. The board has met several times to assess Prodigals Community’s needs in order to hire a director whose gifts match Prodigals’  needs. The board is in the final stage of forming a search committee and will begin the formal search process soon.   During the transition Andy Novotney and Valerie von Isenburg are serving as interim co-directors. Patti Hoffman is the board transition liaison and meets regularly with the co-leaders and staff.
     Members of the 2001 Board of Directors are:

William G. Yates, Chair
Chandra Irvin, Chair-elect
Patti Hoffman, Secretary
William Parsley, Treasurer
 

Harriet Allen Mickey W. Boles  Chris Burton  Rev. Kelly Carpenter Pender Cates Florence Corpening

Dennis Dawkins Ann Flynt Rev. Patricia Garner George Griswold Norris Hutchins Dolores McGee

Dr. Paul Mullen Marjorie Northup Drewry Nostitz Patricia F. Poole Jennifer Wallis-Hill

Spotlight on Volunteers

    We at Prodigals are very grateful to the many individuals who give us their volunteer support. Kudos and thanks go to Dolores McGee, Patti Hoffman, Ginger Salmons and Lee Thompson for planning and coordinating the Legacy of Love celebration. We are grateful for the delicious food provided for the occasion by the women of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Home Moravian Church and St. John Lutheran Church’s Women in Mission. We also thank the following businesses for their contributions to this event: Daisy A Day Florist, George K. Walker Florist,  Ayers Home Bake and Salem Kitchen.
      Our education program relies on  the committed volunteers who provide the 1:1 help that is so frequently needed. Thanks go to Jan Scales, George Griswold, Susan McClung, Sandy Jolly, John Fresh, Belle Kay, and Wake Forest volunteers Aleia Naylor, Brooke Reid, Branalyn Williams, Shenika Watlington, Erika Harrison and Kendra Ferguson. We are grateful to Rebecca Martin from Salem College for her faithful administrative help.
     There are many church members and groups that bring meals Monday nights and/or participate in our worship service. We thank you all and hope we haven’t left anybody out: Ardmore Moravian Family Life Class, Calvary Baptist Singles Classes, Home Moravian Senior High, Cynthia Anderson’s  First Presbyterian Sunday School Class, Cornerstone Baptist, Covenant Community, Sophie Lanneau Circle of Wake Forest Baptist, Fraternity Church of the Brethren, Hillsdale Baptist, Trinity Moravian, Forest Hill Baptist, St. Paul UMC, Calvary Baptist Senior High Ensemble, Inner Rhythm Choir, St. John CME J.L. Pickens Choir, Emmanuel Baptist Mass Choir, Shiloh from Redeemer Presbyterian, 1st Waughtown Baptist Dance Ministry, WFU Christian Drama Troupe, One Accord from WFU, Mt. Zion Baptist Inspirational Choir, Rev. John Mendez, the Rev. John Shields, members of the Order of St. Luke, recorder players June Pierce and Sue Stevens. If we left you out,  please give us a call so we can include it in the next issue of The Prodigal Sun.
     We are also grateful to those who contribute to Prodigals Community with their financial support: individuals, churches, church groups, denominational organizations, businesses, community groups, foundations, and those who have designated their United Way gifts to Prodigals Community.
     We at Prodigals Community thank all our volunteers. Without your dedication we would not be able to provide our residents the services they so desperately need.
      For information on volunteer opportunities, please call Darlis Farabee at 785-0770. Orientation sessions for new volunteers are scheduled for first Mondays of the month at 8:30 p.m. and third Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

Alumni/ae News

    Richard and Judy B. have purchased a new home in Linwood, NC. Alumna Harriet R. is a student at Salem College. Chuck M., a New Salem graduate, recently joined the Prodigals Staff as Purchaser/Program Assistant. Truddie S. has a lot to celebrate. She has received a Prodigals scholarship for her studies in becoming a substance abuse counselor, she celebrates six years clean time, and her car is paid for in May!! Spencer G. and Chris B. both recently celebrated three years clean!
     New Salem and Prodigals House alumni honored Jeff Coppage by preparing a meal and leading in a special service celebrating Jeff’s ministry. Those in attendance for the celebrations included: Pender C., Wanda P., Dennis W., Harriet R., Elaine D., Truddie S., Chuck M., Jeff W., Ron J., Danny D., Chris B., Darlis F., John S., Tommy M., Tracy C., Lee T., Andy G., Alphonsa T., and James B.

Staff News

     Chuck Malone has returned to Prodigals Community as Purchaser and Program Assistant. Chuck has been on the Prodigals staff twice before. Prior to coming back in December, Chuck was a Substance Abuse Counselor at the NC Department of Corrections DART Program. We are glad to have him back!  Andy Novotney and Valerie von Isenburg have accepted the additional positions of Interim Co-Directors during the transition. Andy is Operations Manager and Valerie is Church and Community Relations/Development Director. Tommy Watson, Substance Abuse Counselor, accepted the position of Acting Program Director and is responsible for overseeing the program of New Salem residents and those in the alumni program. Truddie Spriggs has been hired as Resident Assistant. She also subs as Janitorial crew chief when needed. Kudos to Neil Maxey for the magnificent web site he designed for Prodigals Community. Many people know Neil as our choir’s talented accompanist and composer. Visit our web site at www.prodigals.org and you will see that his talents extend into many areas!

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