CONCORD - Rachelle is struggling to recover from her chemical dependencies, but today she’s doing it in a new environment with a lot of help.

She is the first resident of Redeemer’s Recovery Ranch. The Christian organization provides both outpatient and residential substance abuse treatment to women and offers a period of recovery to those trying to move on with their life.

Rachelle, who asked that her last name be kept confidential, said she had been dependent on everything from alcohol to crack.

“I came to a point in my life where I wanted and needed help,” she said.

Rachelle had met Sylvia Helms during some outpatient classes she had been talking with the ranch and asked to be admitted to the ranch on an in-patient basis. Helms is the founder and executive director of Redeemer’s Recovery Ranch and has worked since 2001 to make the residential part of the nonprofit agency a reality.

“So many times in the day program, women would come and then return to their playground that night,” Helms said. “I never lost track of my vision to make a home for these women.”

The residential program doesn’t allow for any visitors in the first 30 days, with the exception of the participant’s children who may come on weekends.

“We allow children because we feel that those relationships really need to grow,” Helms said.

Two of Rachelle’s children come to see her on the weekends. Together, mother and children bake, draw or spend other quality time together.

Spending quality time with her kids isn’t something Rachelle had been able to do in the past.

“I’m learning how to be stable,” Rachelle said.

Rachelle spends her days learning about God and developing a relationship with Him. She participates in Bible studies and follows a biblically based recovery curriculum.

She is also learning to care for her body, exercising every day and participating in healthy eating classes.

The quietness of the residential setting allows Rachelle, who has been there for a little more than two weeks, the time she needs to development her relationship with God.

“You can have a peace of mind here,” she said.

Next week, the ranch will host its second resident. Every participant who comes into the residential program must have already gone through a detoxification process, and via a drug screening that proves they have been clean for at least 72 hours.

Participants sign contracts that say they agree to attend church services three times a week, participate in daily Bible studies and personal devotion time and do chores.

Residents must also be willing to pay on a sliding scale basis and must not need any pain medication on an ongoing basis.
Participants commit to 90 days in the program, but are allowed to stay for up to a year if needed, Helms said.

Located in a brick house in a quiet neighborhood, the ranch currently offers four beds but has room to expand if needed.
“The Lord gave us this place and we moved in around November,” Helms said.

The ranch has leased the house from Living Faith Baptist Church. Helms stays at the ranch during the day, and the ranch’s one employee stays at night. Volunteers also come to help throughout the week.

The ranch has one major fundraiser every year and gets some individual donations, but it depends heavily on churches to donate the rest of the needed funds.

“Our board is too small to accomplish more than that in a year,” said Cheryl McClellan, public relations coordinator for the ranch.

“It will be the body of Christ that supports this ministry, not corporations or the community.”

McClellan became involved with Redeemer’s Recovery Ranch after hearing Helms’ testimony on a Christian radio station.

“I’ve seen the effects of addiction and what it does to families,” McClellan said. “This gives me hope that people may find a way to be restored.”

The ranch will hold its annual dinner and auction on May 12. Organizers are looking for donated items that can be auctioned off. Money raised at the event will go toward purchasing a van for the organization that can be used to transport residents like Rachelle.

Eventually, Rachelle will have the life skills she needs to make it without depending on drugs or alcohol.

“I know I have to change people, places and things, but being here gives me that foundation,” she said.

• Contact Barbara Jones at bjones@independenttribune.com or at 704-789-9140.

Want to help?

What: Casting the Net 2006: Fishing for Friends and Financial Supporters to benefit Redeemer’s Recovery Ranch

When: May 12, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

Info: $15 per person. For tickets, to donate auction items or for more information on Redeemer’s Recovery Ranch, call 704-545-1544