Growing up in St. Albans, West Virginia in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, was much like what you would expect watching an episode of the Andy Griffith show, at least in my memory it was. During my early childhood years I grew up on Mckinley Avenue. I had lots of friends that lived within a few houses of me. From dawn to dusk we spent most of our time outside riding bikes or playing sports in mine or my friends back yard. Quite often my parents would spend warm summer evenings on the front porch. In fact, most of the neighbors would spend evenings on the front porch together talking and visiting. This was a perfect time to engage in our favorite nighttime game. We called it spot light. The game was much like tag, but someone was counted out when the beam of light illuminated an unsuspecting victim. We would play for hours. Sometimes games would last as late as 10 or 11 o’clock at night. I have wonderful memories of those times in my life.
Unfortunately, it is impossible for kids to have those same experiences today. Because of an influx of drug use and crime in our society, parents, with good reason, are scared to death to allow their kids the same freedom that I experienced. Society is more withdrawn today. Families tend to spend more time on the back porch keeping to themselves rather than socializing on the front porch. Kids are growing up with less and less social behaviors. Having three kids of my own, I hurt for the generations to come. No doubt the opioid epidemic is a horrible realization here in West Virginia and will affect many generations to come.
Therefore, Union Mission Inc. is working very hard to develop the right addiction recovery program. A program that has the proper balance of spirit, mind, and body. Teaching clients the love of Christ is and always will be the pinnacle. Adding in the future of education and vocational teaching is also important, and transitional housing is another big part of recovery and very much needed. We have some space now for housing, but we will be looking for more options in the
near future. All of our clients are very important to us and providing the proper care is important to us at Union Mission.
I understand that most of the people that come into our addiction recovery have not had the greatest childhood. Our goal is to provide them with the proper tools, so they may have the greatest adulthood possible in the love and care of Jesus Christ. Please continue to be in much prayer for Union Mission to continue to develop these much needed programs.
It may not be possible to see our neighborhoods as they were 20 or 30 years ago, but I believe it is our responsibility to show those who are struggling with addiction the love of Christ. I believe we must prove and teach that there is hope. I believe there is a better day to come in the great state of West Virginia.
