January 17, 2008
faith-based approach to sobriety. Taft United Methodist Church pastor, Steve Hanusa, a 30-year-veteran in addiction treatment and a clinically trained social worker explains that, “There is a spiritual aspect to addictions. People are searching for something they don’t have, they’re lost.” New Life Center Pastor, Floyd Jordan, champions faith-based programs. “I think a
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several volunteers she runs the Unity Thrift store located at 327 Center Street. The store is a non-profit business in which all proceeds go to those in need. They are always happy to accept donations. A substantial amount of the store’s resources also go to saving abandoned or unwanted puppies. According to Hodges on any given week as many as 30 puppies are brought into the store. She makes sure all the animals get to a no-kill shelter and helps spay and neuter those that need it. Hodges is also involved at New Life’s 12-step program. “We’re just here to help people unload,” she explains, “It’s rehab through speaking.” The program is heavily structured on the needs of the participants. Hodges explains, “It‘s based on a devotional, but it‘s very as we go and needs based. “Church really gave me the balance I needed to stay clean, I got support and I realized that there are others who are going through what I am going through,” she confides. Her advice to anyone out there struggling is to pick up the phone, “Call us, we know what it’s like.” You can reach Trixie Hodges at Unity Thrift store at (661) 765-4950 or via the Internet at http://www.unitythrift.com. Ignoring the drug problem on the Westside will not make it go away. The Sober Living Facility and programs like New Life’s are making a difference by suppling unfortunate demand whose origins are hard to explain, and whose effects are even harder for loved ones to understand. If you or someone you care about needs help or if you want more information contact the Taft Sober Living facility at (661) 745-3288 or the New Life Center (661) 765-7472.
Floyd and Carol Jordan of New Life Community Church
lot of other programs try to treat the symptoms and not the problem,” he explains, “A lot of the more secular programs are like a crutch.“ The New Life Center, located at 1000 6th St, offers a program every Wednesday night at six where people can come and get help for their addictions. The program is not restricted to drugs and alcohol. Anyone who is dealing with any type of addiction at all is welcome. New Life Center can be reached at (661) 765-7472. “We offer a place where people can get clean from whatever they are dealing with,” says Jordan. Pastor Steve Hanusa cautions, “A lot of times victims of addiction feel shame, guilt and unworthiness about having a relationship with a higher power.” Pastor Jordan makes it very clear that this is a not a judging environment and that they are there to help. The important thing is for people to get help, explains Hanusa, warning that not every program is for everyone. Faith-based is definitely an option, “. . . the people are different and flexibility is good.” Taft resident, Linda “Trixie” Hodges, a former addict now actively involved with the New Life programs, advocates the faith-based approach. “I found success,” says Hodges, “through a relationship with the lord.” And successful she has become. Trixie has been clean for 17 years, but it’s been a battle. “I never thought I would grow up and use drugs,” she says, “but I did.” Both Trixie’s parents were drug users, and by the time she was 13, she too had adapted the lifestyle. “I know what it’s like when people live in dysfunctional families. I’ve been there, done that.” A former victim of drug addiction, Hodges is now vigilant in doing all she can to help others who are fighting the same battle she once fought. Along with the help of
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763-3730 or 293-0582. Trixie Hodges (second from left) outside the Unity Thrift Store