Hope is on the way

Editors note: The name of the House of Hope resident is fictitious to protect her privacy.

CELINA - Kay has been a heroin addict since she was 17 and her 10-month-old daughter was born with the drug in her system.

The Celina woman will spend Christmas at the new House of Hope on Mud Pike - the first candidate to seek the help needed to break free from drug addiction.

Kay is moving from a rehabilitation center to the recovery home today.

"It's my time to prove to myself and everyone else that I can live a sober, clean life," she recently told the Daily Standard. "I want to regain custody of my daughter, get a job and eventually get my own place to live."
Kay's father currently has custody of the child.
The House of Hope ministry initially is accepting only women into the program. The length of stay will be based on progress made and could vary from six months to more than 18 months.
Kay said she first became addicted to heroin through an ex-boyfriend and has tried to kick the habit several times. The most success she's had was in the last 70 days, she said.

"Right after I had my daughter, I quit for about four months," she said. "But then I relapsed right after I lost my mother and just couldn't stop."

Her mother died from alcoholism, she said. She realized she was repeating the pattern, only with a different drug, she added.

"I don't want this life for my daughter," she said. "I want my daughter to know that even though life is hard and not fair sometimes, there are things to be happy about. I want her to find the positive things in life and to know that she's allowed to ask questions. I want her to know that she will have to work hard, but hard work will pay off."

Kay said she needs what the House of Hope is offering.

"Right now I need to have structure and discipline in my life," she said. "It's scary to think that I could be just pushed out into society and have to live in Celina all by myself. I need support and guidance and I know the House of Hope will give that to me."

In June, Kay was convicted of trafficking in heroin and possession of drugs. Instead of being convicted and sent to jail or prison, she was allowed to enter a rehabilitation program.

She requested a chance to stay at the House of Hope, she said.

"I had heard about it from another woman and I thought if they accept me, then I'll do it," Kay said.

The women accepted for the House of Hope must be in a qualified Mercer County drug treatment program. They will be required to perform chores and must obtain employment within 30 days with transportation provided through the ministry.

Skill training will be provided by businesses and counseling is being offered by private firms, according to ministry board member Tonya Huber.

The residents' daily routine will include mandatory Bible studies, classes, as well as reading and quiet time. TV viewing will be pre-approved and limited, Huber said.

Other activities such as exercises and crafts also will be offered at the home. Meetings at the house will be a requirement, Huber noted.

Residents will be on their honor; however, a security system has been installed and a house mother will be present day and night. Volunteers will step in temporarily when the house mother needs to leave, Huber said.  

Cellphones, smoking and alcohol are prohibited at the residence and random and weekly drugs tests will be administered. House policy will dictate the consequences of a failed drug test, Huber said.

"This is something that I think I need and I think will work," Kay said. "It's about me moving forward, working hard and accepting my consequences. It's about getting the support I need from not just my dad but from others in the community."