Do you have a story to share about your experience with addiction or incarceration?
Your story can save someone else.
“The social justice issue particularly important to me is criminal justice reform. For me, this social justice issue is important to me because I am a survivor of the criminal justice system. I am a passionate believer that reentry should begin on day one of incarceration. Substance misuse is a mental health issue and not a moral issue. I know that substance use disorder does not discriminate. I am a person in long-term recovery and 100% of my charges were drug-related. The United States is losing to the war on drugs. In 2011, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill that promised to shrink the state's prison population. The bill expanded access to treatment programs instead of incarceration. My sentence began in 2013, I was never offered treatment for my drug offenses. These reforms failed to reduce incarceration because prosecutors and judges retained discretion to charge and imprison people. Substance Use Disorder is a mental health condition, not a criminal issue. If we get down to the causes and conditions as to why folks are breaking the law, then we as a society can treat the underlying issue by getting individuals help for their mental health disorders. By treating the individual we can not only reduce prison population, we can reduce recidivism. It's been 7 years since my last incarceration. Today, I am a productive member of society, and proof that treatment over incarceration works.” - Kendall
“My name is Levi Lyons, and I am a child of God. My journey through recovery has transformed my life in profound ways. After spending over 20 years battling addiction, which led to jail time and multiple rehab stints, I reached a pivotal moment in 2018. Faced with the choice to surrender or die, I chose surrender, and by the grace of God, my life was forever changed. My sobriety date is 9/21/2020. Today, I am a Peer Support Specialist at River Valley Men’s Facility, where I work closely with clients, sharing my experiences and helping them build their own paths to recovery. Service work is a cornerstone of my recovery, with unity and faith holding everything together. Through my involvement in the Celebrate Recovery, The Chad Lake Foundation, & the Leaders of Vital Experience (LOVE) support group, where I serve as an advocate and chairperson, I have found a purpose that goes beyond my own healing. God has blessed me with a life I could never have imagined, allowing me to serve my community while deepening my faith. My story is a testament to the power of God’s grace and the strength found in recovery. I am living proof that change is possible, and I am committed to helping others discover the same hope and transformation.” - Levi Lyons
“Britney Jones, along with myself and many others we know, are living proof that rehabilitation works. It is crucial to help addicts and alcoholics understand their disease of addiction and learn how to overcome it. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the WARM Center, Trilogy, and SAP. These programs equipped me with the tools to conquer my addiction and understand my character defects, along with their antidotes. Without rehab, I wouldn’t have gained this knowledge anywhere else.
I am about to celebrate five years clean from meth and needles, and it’s only because of the program that I was able to acknowledge a higher power and have faith in it. Many people are unaware of Jesus Christ, and rehab introduces these teachings. Everything I learned in rehab has been beneficial and has never hindered me in any way. Incarceration does not address the real problem; people are dying from drug use even within prison walls. Have a heart and help them.” - Emmy.
“Before entering rehab, my life was consumed by addiction. Every day was a struggle, and I felt trapped in a cycle of despair and hopelessness. My relationships with family and friends were strained, and I lost sight of who I was and what I wanted for my future.
Rehabilitation was a turning point for me. It provided a safe space to confront my addiction and the underlying issues that fueled it. Through therapy, support groups, and the unwavering guidance of The Lord Jesus Christ, I began to rebuild my life. I learned coping strategies, developed healthier habits, and reconnected with my true self.
Today, I am proud to say that I am living a life of sobriety and purpose. Rehab not only helped me overcome my addiction but also gave me the tools to thrive. I am now an advocate for rehabilitation over incarceration, believing that everyone deserves a chance to heal and transform their lives.”
- Bridgette
“My name is David Biggs, and I have proudly called Owensboro, KY my home for the past 24 years, after moving from Lake Charles, Louisiana. I attended Daviess County High School and Volunteer State Community College. My journey has been marked by significant challenges, including nearly a decade of incarceration at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex. During my time there, I witnessed the medical negligence that plagues our prison system. These experiences have fueled my passion for promoting rehabilitation over incarceration.
Since my release in May 2024, I have been dedicated to making a positive impact. I serve as a peer mentor at Friends of Sinners, where I support others in their recovery journeys. I am also pursuing a business degree and have authored my first book, “Out of Bounds.” It is an honor to serve on the Board of Directors for the Chad Lake Foundation, where I bring my unique perspective and unwavering commitment to change. My faith drives me to advocate for a system that prioritizes rehabilitation, ensuring that others have the opportunity to rebuild their lives just as I have.” - David
