Freedom Ministries Lighthouse making strides to battle addiction in the community

The first halfway house established here in Rabun County has officially opened their doors to the community for those facing battles with addiction.

Thanks to a dedicated group of former addicts themselves who have experienced the ups and downs of recovery, Freedom Ministries Lighthouse has now been in operation(s) for nearly six weeks.

Their main recovery residence that operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry has seen tremendous growth in previous weeks, including taking in five men to date that will be working with the staff to turn their lives around and help battle their addictions.

Currently, the facility holds 12 beds and is located in Mountain City.

According to Dan Crane Director of Operations and Ashey York Case Manager, “as a resident in your first 30 days (Phase One) residents will receive individual counseling with a certified addiction counselor, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management and relapse prevention classes. The daily schedule consists of morning alcohol & drug education class followed in the afternoon with a life skill class or Bible study.”

In Phase Two, Freedom Ministries Lighthouse works towards helping the individual seeking treatment gain more structure in their recovery process; requirements are gaining employment, maintaining assignments, off property meetings, working the 12-steps and attaining a sponsor.

Above all, however, Crane and York said what sets this recovery program apart from the rest, is the faith-based aspect of it.

Other services that are open to the public who may be seeking help with an addiction in any form, are nighttime offerings of Addicts at the Cross and their Saturday night services.

Addicts at the Cross is a Christian 9 Step Program that takes place Tuesday nights at their facility located at 102 Dotson Street. While the Saturday night service takes place at 6 p.m. also at the recovery residence and usually includes powerful testimonies from someone that has delivered from addiction.

Anyone who is seeking to make a difference in their lives that wish to live a clean lifestyle but would like some help along the way, are welcomed to call Freedom Ministries Lighthouse for more information at (706) 817-1173.