Addition recovery program expands reach

PHIL CAMPBELL — A recovery program is expanding its reach to help more women rebuild their lives after addiction.

The Place of Grace will soon move into a larger home to continue supporting women in recovery.

Director Jocelynn James Edmonds said the recovery home currently houses four women and can accommodate up to five. The next location, a fivebedroom house loaned by a Franklin County couple, will expand capacity to eight.

The program lasts about eight months and emphasizes structure and personal responsibility. Each day begins at 6 a.m. with devotion followed by chores and work or school.

The group attends church twice a week, has a Thursday Bible study and shares meals or group activities every other Friday. Social media is not allowed.

Edmonds said residents must already be sober to enter the program because it focuses on helping women maintain stability after initial recovery.

“If someone calls and says, ‘I’m using but I really want your help,’ I’ll tell them, ‘Go stay with family for seven days, detox and come back clean,’” Edmonds said. “One of the ladies did that and it’s working out great.”

Edmonds also helps women who are still struggling find placement in treatment programs elsewhere.

She said churches and community members often provide meals, outings and encouragement. Judges, attorneys and probation officers sometimes encounter graduates working locally and remark on their progress.

“A couple of them have gotten saved,” Edmonds said. “It’s just great because at the end of the day they’re going back into the community of Franklin County.”

Today marks Edmonds’ 13th anniversary for her sobriety.

“I was delivered from addiction,” she said. “Not everyone gets delivered, but I’m thankful to be alive to help others.”

Between Edmonds and her husband, Greg, they share 24 years of sobriety. He works with men who are rebuilding their lives, while she leads the women’s program.

“This is our purpose in life,” she said.

The Place of Grace began in 2013 and operates as a faith-based nonprofit focused on recovery from addiction.

Land for a future rehabilitation center was donated by the Community Church at Hackleburg in 2021, but construction remains unfinished due to lack of funding.

Edmonds said about $300,000 is still needed to complete the facility, which would serve women beginning their recovery journey.