Throughout the
$3.28 million structure that is the first completed center in Gov.
Ernie Fletcher's statewide "Recovery Kentucky" initiative, efforts
have been made to provide a welcoming atmosphere. The decor was
overseen by Margaret Ann Sights, the wife of WARM's CEO and
chairman, Dale Sights. Both donate their services to the center
that combats the twin demons of alcohol/drug addiction and
homelessness.
Dale Sights, a
local businessman and himself a recovering alcoholic who
successfully received treatment 20 years ago, said the aim of the
local center and others either under construction or planned is to
"turn homelessness into hope and teach the skills to live life
successfully." The center, whose day to day director is
Sharice Benson, has a staff of 12 and its program is modeled after
the Hope Center in Lexington. That model is peer-driven and based
on the Alcoholics Anonymous concept. It includes peer support,
daily living skills training, job responsibilities, and challenges
to practice sober living.
Though there is no
charge to the clients -- 30 percent of whom are referred by the
Kentucky Department of Corrections -- they are expected to cook
and clean and be totally committed to the program. "We won't
put up with people who are not serious about recovery," Sights
said. Clients can leave of their own volition, but those who are
placed there by the Department of Corrections will have their
departure reported to the state. Client referrals can come
from virtually any source, including the courts, social service
agencies, attorneys, churches and families.
The initial "class"
is restricted to 24, who will spend two weeks in a dormitory
situation and orientation. At the end of that time, they move to
another program phase and into two-occupant bedrooms. Then another
24 clients will be admitted and the process continues until the
center is fully occupied.
Benson, who has an
extensive background as a certified alcohol/drug abuse counselor,
said there are four program phases with the final phase seeing
women transition into jobs and outside housing. Each phase
includes initiatives to spur achievement. "We want this to be a
safe and warm, inviting place for the clients to be," Benson said.
"We want to help them get back on track."
The effort to
obtain the center here was spearheaded by Holy Name Priest Ed
Bradley, who was instrumental in the creation of the local Women's
Emergency Shelter. The shelter board has served as developer for
the center, which was constructed by the Leitchfield-based Wabuck
Development Corp. Sights said the construction was financed
primarily via low-income housing tax credit equity and utilized no
public money. WARM's on-going operation, however, will be
through Community Development Block Grants from the Kentucky
Housing Corporation, fees paid by the Department of Corrections,
Section 8 funds, food stamps and donations. Sights said the
project from Day 1 has seen "wonderful support" from the
community, starting with the donation of the center site by Dr.
and Mrs. Tom Logan. The eight-member WARM board is in the
process of drawing up a "Wish List," Sights said, and those needs
will be publicized.
Meanwhile, plans
are underway to add a certified non-medical detoxification unit
in-house and build a program with social service agencies for
those clients who have young children. There are no accommodations
at the center for children, but the facility has a visitation room
for youngsters and others to maintain relationships with clients.
Sights said he believes the "Recovery Kentucky" initiative should
be safe regardless of the next occupant of the Governor's Mansion.
Chemical dependency and homelessness are major problems in this
state, he said, adding he can't imagine any administration failing
to recognize that situation. The University of Kentucky and
Kentucky Housing Corp. estimate that 100,000 Kentuckians are
abusing illicit drugs, and about 7,000 Kentuckians are homeless.
Those first clients
at WARM will be immediately reminded why they are there.
The large book on
the coffee table in the reception area is entitled, "The Power to
Heal."
