Lifeline celebrates 15 years of changed lives through women’s program
NEWS RELEASE
In 2007, when addiction was raging, Terrye Peeler believed the region was overdue for a women’s faith-based drug and rehab program. Lifeline Recovery Center for women was born.
“From that first group to the current group of ladies, I have witnessed God’s hand forever changing lives that once seemed lost and hopeless,” said Peeler, a founding member and retired executive director of Lifeline. Now 15 years later, the center is celebrating hundreds of changed lives. Lifeline operates two Paducah campuses – the men’s campus began in 2004, and the women’s campus followed in May 2007.
Becky Pritchett of Marshall County was in its first class. Now sober for 15 years, Pritchett knows firsthand the program’s impact: “If not for Lifeline, I wouldn’t be here,” she said, “and I think a lot of people can say the same thing.”
Lifeline’s current executive director, Ashley Miller, a 2014 graduate of Lifeline, agrees. “I was once right where they are,” Miller said, “so I am able to connect with them on a personal level to give them guidance from a nonjudgmental place.”
About 45 women go through the nine-month residential treatment center each year. Eleven staff members and 45 volunteers provide the programming, which includes classes, counseling, and volunteer work.
Brenda Grooms, a Paducah realtor, has volunteered as a Bible class teacher since the women’s campus opened. “I did not know anyone in addiction,” she said. “I tell them I don’t know where you’ve been, but I sympathize with you. Even cigarette smoking was a hard addiction to break for me!”
The staff and volunteers keep up with many former clients, many of whom come back as volunteers or even staff. “They come back,” Grooms said. “They always hug me, they really appreciate it. That thankfulness is the reward we get.”
As the center looks ahead to more anniversaries, Miller said the goal is to grow, so more people can experience the change she has. “Nothing brings me more joy than to see them change their lives and restore their families.”
Contact Ashley Miller at 270.443.4743
