Lifeline Recovery Center’s new name, new leaders position it for growth to help more people dealing with addictions
July 21, 2020
PADUCAH, KY. -- Two Paducah substance abuse treatment locations announce a new joint name, Lifeline Recovery Center, to identify more clearly their longstanding faith-based mission to help people dealing with addictions.
The new name merges the legacy of Paducah Lifeline Ministries, which began for men in 2004, and Ladies Living Free, which joined in 2007. They serve men and women in their respective locations. Since 2013, the two together have served more than 945 people with a 62 percent success rate of sobriety for graduates after one year.
“We are excited that our new name makes it clearer who we are and what we do,” said Ashley Miller, executive director. “We added Recovery to our identity to capture the sense of transformation and success our target audience seeks when they come here.”
Miller, a 2014 graduate of the program, was named executive director in January 2020, succeeding longtime leader Terrye Peeler, who has retired.
Peeler, a founder of Ladies Living Free, said the organization has suffered from an identity crisis for years. “We always had one board and one mission for men and women, but people were confused about our two names,” Peeler said.
The organization’s board has four new members, including board chair Steve Powless, chairman and CEO of Computer Services Inc. (CSI). Powless said the new name comes at the right time to grow community awareness and support. “Substance abuse is such a prevalent problem in our society that virtually everyone knows someone who is affected by it,” he said. “We are proud that Lifeline offers a local treatment option, with a proven method at affordable rates.”
The nine-month residential treatment program costs $1,800 per individual, significantly less than most 30-day residential programs. The rate is low because donations and volunteer services cover most of the expense.
The number of applicants outnumbers the space for participants 5 to 1. With improved community awareness and support, Lifeline hopes to expand facilities and services to reach more people, Powless said.
The first step of the expansion – a $250,000 dormitory for 22 men – opened in February. The 2,400-square-foot facility was funded by donations, in large part by the Lifeline board and A&K Construction, whose president Ken Hunt serves on the Lifeline board. Also, CSI, led by Powless, has equipped two life skills training rooms with 33 computers.
Each year, about 150 people benefit from the center’s 12-step Celebrate Recovery program, plus lifestyle and Bible classes, counseling, volunteer service at community organizations, job skills training and employment. The nine-month, three-phase program features at least six months of residential treatment, with three months of outpatient after care. A staff of 13, including many graduates of the program, 65 volunteers and contracted professional counselors provide the services.
Miller said the Lifeline family of staff, volunteers and graduates takes pride in helping the community – both through volunteer opportunities during treatment and as productive citizens after treatment. “When lives are changed, communities are transformed,” she said.
To learn more about the program, including testimonials from current and past participants, or to donate, see www.LifelineRecoveryCenter.com or e-mail info@LifelineRecoveryCenter.com.
