Members of the community turned out in force on Saturday to show their support for the newly opened Recovery Soldiers Ministries facility.
The 12-month long recovery program can serve up to 22 men at a time at the newly opened facility located on the Old Bristol Highway in the Biltmore community. The faith-based addiction recovery program is the first of its kind in Carter County.
As part of the open house, visitors were able to tour the facility, which includes a dormitory, a kitchen that also functions as a classroom at times, offices and a sanctuary. Founder Josh Scalf also shared the mission of Recovery Soldiers Ministries during the tours and why faith plays such an important role in the program.
“They’re looking for something different,” Scalf said of the men who participate in Recovery Soldiers Ministries. “They need the hope of Jesus and to be able to give that to them is amazing.”
“They come in with needle marks on their arms, and they are broken, and we reach out to them in love,” Scalf added. “It’s a message of hope.”
Scalf is pleased with the support the community has shown the ministry from the time he began holding meetings and sharing his testimony in local churches through the opening of the new recovery facility last week. During the open house celebration, many of those in attendance brought “housewarming” gifts of kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, and other items needed for the program.
However, in order to remain successful and continue helping men fight their battle with addiction, Scalf said the program will need continued support from the community.
The program has a monthly sponsorship opportunity, Scalf said. Those who sign up for monthly sponsorships will receive a letter from the program each month showing how their gift is being used to fight on the front lines of addiction.
“Once a month, you actually get the story of a real life you have helped change through the power of Christ,” Scalf said. “You actually get to see the seeds you plant grow into something wonderful.”
In addition to financial contributions, Scalf said the program will also accept donations of items to help support the program. Among the items needed for the facility are dish detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, non-perishable food items, and hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, and deodorant.
The program is also looking for individuals who can volunteer at the facility to help provide the program participants with the life skills they need to be successful once they leave the program.
To contribute to the program, donate items, or see how you can help out, contact Recovery Soldiers Ministries by calling 423-588-0677 or 423-525-2535. You can also reach out to them through their website at www.recoverysoldiersministries.org or through their Facebook page.