The Lazarus House

Today is Day twelve of the April A-Z Blogging Challenge and the day for the letter L. Today I have another special post about The Lazarus House. I recently spoke with Kevin Bowman who is the Director of The Newness of Life Lazarus House which opened here in Martinsburg, WV on April 1, 2017.

The Lazarus house is a men's only sober living house for men in Martinsburg struggling with addiction. Men who are tired of living that life and want to make a change.

This program here in Martinsburg and Kevin's presence is bringing HOPE to our community and reminds us that people do recover from this addiction. They recover and they go on to live and be successful people in our community.

This program, Kevin and Justin Ponton's program Newness of Life here is an answer to a lot of

Announcement: Newness of Life Lazrus House Coming To Martinsburg

I have been behind on the blogging for a couple of days. I had some Internet troubles earlier in the week and then it just flowed over. Big inventory coming at work so been very busy there this week. A big announcement was made earlier this week on Facebook by Justin Ponton, Director of The Newness of Life in Huntington, WV:

As you may of heard, Newness of Life is going to be coming to Martinsburg to kickoff a new chapter in Berkeley County. Through some talking and urging from the ...Berkeley County's Recovery Resource Coordinator, it is going to happen real soon. We utilized the new Berkeley County Recovery Resource Center to help guide us through this venture. We are excited to be working together as a team to help with the Heroin epidemic and substance abuse in Berkeley County!

The reason Lazarus House was chosen as the name is because when I think about being brought back to life I can't think of a better example than a drug addict finding a newness of life without drugs and alcohol, without criminal activity, and without the feeling of hopelessness that plagued me in my addiction. Please share your stories of being brought back to life with #IamLazarus and post here on the Lazarus House page. Let's show the world that there is hope and that there ...is a better way.

John 11:17-23
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Our Newness Of Life Director Of Operations Kevin Bowman will be moving to Martinsburg 1/27 to begin the process of opening a new location! Keep an eye out for Newness of Life Lazarus House coming to Martinsburg real soon!

This is great news for many of us in this area.

If you are struggling with addiction problems OR if you have a loved one struggling with addiction problems please reach out to Justin Ponton @ 304- 972-6601 or Kevin Bowman @ 304-412-0668 today. Please visit their Facebook Pages (links above) and visit their website @ Newness of Life

pic belongs to: The Newness of Life

Local Resources Fighting This Heroin Epidemic Battle

If you are like so many in this area due to the stigma about Heroin, Opiates and addiction you often don't know where to turn to for help.

This was posted on a Facebook Page from Debbie Hill Gray who locally is helping addicts and their families find treatment and healing from this addiction. If you live in Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Jefferson County and Morgan County you will find many resources locally to help.

If you love someone with an addiction problem, please reach out to anyone listed in this. If you yourself are an addict and are trying to find help for yourself please reach out. Debbie's post had the following resources:

"One of our Charles Town Nar-anon family lost their son to his battle with addiction last night. God knows I see losses daily across FB, but this one hit me hard. My heart is hurting so badly for them. He was very much loved by many people, but most of all his mom.

Please keep them in your prayers.

I felt I should provide some resources for ANYONE struggling with this disease or anyone with a loved one struggling with the disease. Even if you think your loved one does NOT want help, I assure you they usually DO. They just don't want to discuss their addiction with their family members due to the guilt and shame they feel. There should be no shame in this disease, but they still feel it. Most of the time your child will speak to someone they don't know about their addiction much quicker and easier than with their family and friends. THEY WANT HELP!

There are lots of people in our area reaching out to help with addiction. Some are moms, some are friends, some are in county positions, but there are resources available. I am listing them here again. PLEASE REACH OUT TO ANY RESOURCE LISTED FOR HELP:

Help4wv.com is the Governor's hotline, setup to help with WV's overwhelming addiction epidemic. They will help find a detox and hopefully treatment afterwards, even if there is a few day to week long wait. They have access to ALL treatment centers in our state and are available 24/7. They will arrange travel to the facility in most cases.

You can use their Internet site help4wv.com or call 844-435-7498.

Tina Burkey Stride and Lisa Melcher started a non-profit called The Hope Dealer Project and can also find treatment for addiction. Tina also facilitates a Nar-Anon group in Martinsburg on Sunday's. Here is the link to their page:

The Hope Dealer Project


Justin W. Ponton has a sober living network in Huntington, WV. There are many people willing to transport individuals wanting to go there. He cannot take anyone needing medically detoxed from alcohol or benzo's due to the danger of detoxing from these to my knowledge, but can after the detox from these. Justin can confirm this for you. His website is:

The Newness of Life
His phone number is: 304-972-6601

Tim Payne and his wife, Emily (I believe) run the non-profit, Turning Point of the Eastern Panhandle. Their website is:
Turning Point of the Eastern Panhandle

Katrin O'Leary is Vice President of: Magnolia New Beginnings, a 501c3 based in MA. Katrin resides in Florida.
Her website is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/553591441439612

Barbie Thrower is the Director of CRC in Florida, a Licensed Level III Substance abuse treatment center. Long term- 6 months to a year.
Barbie says: We are fighting hard to end this epidemic and remove the stigma of addiction!! Call 321-632-5958 or visit our website Ctcbrevard.com for additional information . God bless all who are in this fight together!

Although it is currently on hold for a short time, I facilitate a Nar-Anon group in Charles Town. I will be updating the site when active again, which I hope is soon. Here is the group's FB page for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/HopeforTomorrowCharlesTownWVNarA…/…

I also have a FB page just to share and post educational information about addiction and provide support. Anyone can reach out to me for help there or add educational content. The link is:
https://www.facebook.com/DrugAlcoholAddictionRecoveryAndF…/…

There are several support groups I recommend:
Katrin O'Leary facilitates a group for Addiction support, Magnolia New Beginnings, closed FB support group. Search for the group and request to join.

Kathleen W facilitates Covered With Love, a group comprised of people all over the country, coming together to help one another and their children. Search for the group and request to join.

I believe Dave Roberts and/or Cindy Everts facilitates "The Group", which is the group nobody ever wants to join. It is a support group for parents and siblings who've lost their children/sibling. They have personal gatherings also. Search for The Group and request to join.

Locally, Laura Haynes facilitates the Berkeley County Heroin Epidemic FB page, where you can find informational posts and support. Her link is:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/553591441439612/

Dee Stotelmyer Pierce facilitates the FB page Bikers Against Heroin WV Chapter. They do fundraisers to help the addiction community and provide other resources. Her link is:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BAHwestva/

Cindy Koontz has a blog page and puts together community vigils along with James Boyd. I don't know the link to her blog.

Amanda Edwards and Casey Hershey facilitate a FB support page called Soberology. Search for it and request to join.

Kevin Knowles is the Berkeley County Resource Go-To, a very important resource. You can contact Kevin at 304-264-1923 or 304-676-7731

I've helped people on my own time for years, heavily for 18 months. I started after trying to find help for my son, with such a difficult time, I was on the phone forever with facilities trying to get him help and continually was told NO or ADD him to long waiting lists. Finally I found a company to help me. They did it all, including making his travel arrangements to California. Today Matthew is well, thank God! He's joined me in reaching out to help those struggling with addition.

We help with any resources including; help4wv.com, faith based programs, scholarships (when available), find an insurance broker to help them determine if eligible for a special enrollment for private health insurance, help them get into top, trustworthy treatment centers away from our area, talk to their family members -providing them resources such as, RENOVO Center and Nar-Anon, speak with their loved one struggling with addiction to convince them to get treatment-no matter how long it takes, provide travel to state facilities, help them find Suboxone Doctors, take them to the hospital, and simply just listen when needing to talk. We do whatever possible to help.
Recently, because of our outreach, we both had several job offers, which happens when you are doing outreach. After a long time and a lot of soul searching we accepted a "salary" position with the only company we trust to get people into trustworthy treatment centers. We refused to take money per person, such as body brokers do. We cannot and will NOT see someone struggling with addiction as a $ sign, so we simply help people find help, however that may be, including state, faith based, and scholarship programs. I assure you we are not getting rich, we are making a living as everyone does at their jobs. We are available anytime at all.

We work for Sober Services, run by an amazing man in recovery himself. He puts many resources back into communities and is starting a "Jail Initiative" to help those arrested for drug related crimes get treatment rather than jail. This is NOT an advertisement for his company, my son, or me. This is simply another resource just as those above.

Here is the link to the company website:
https://www.soberservices.org
He works with people all over the country. Matthew and I help with those in our area, but also any area in the country. Matthew Hammock can be reached at 304-886-8322, me at 304-820-5375.

Probably the most significant and new program available to our area is Melissa Swartz's (counselor) The RENOVO CENTER. Melissa was the only counselor in her office, but expanded her practice exponentially to help those struggling with addiction and their family members. She offers groups for family members on Tuesday evenings. She added case workers to help manage all phases of patient care. She added more counselors and has Suboxone/Vivatrol Doctors coming in November. She accepts Medicaid. I have referred many people to her, especially those who find inpatient treatment isn't something they can do or to help them in the interim until they can get into a treatment center.
I cannot say enough good about what Melissa has done for our community by expanding her practice.

Her website is:
The Renovo Center

https://www.facebook.com/The-Renovo-Center-LLC-1885343344…/…
Her office number is: 681-242-8819

I am certain there are more resources I haven't mentioned, so anyone with more, please post them.
PLEASE if you or a loved one needs help for addiction, reach out to any of these resources. We are losing too many lives over this epidemic!"

Many thanks to Debbie for her time in putting this list of resources together.

I wanted to add to this that there are several recovering from their addiction who have joined in this fight to help other addicts. One of those people is

Kyle Koontz

Click his name to go to his Facebook and message him on Facebook. If you are seeking help with your addiction, message Kyle.

Newness of Life: Lazarus House

Coming Soon!!!!!!

In Huntington, West Virginia

Visit their Facebook page @ The Newness of Life

OR

Their webpage @ The Newness of Life for more information

For more information please call, 304-412-0668

The Newness of Life For Women

In Huntington, West Virginia

Visit their Facebook page @ The Newness of Life

OR

Their webpage @ The Newness of Life for more information
You can also call Justin Ponton at 304-972-6602 for more information.

Recovery Is Possible

I have noticed for several months now that the stats for reading this blog is slowly rising. I often check out the stats as well as keywords. As a blogger these keywords are important to me to look at because it lets me see what readers are searching for here.

One keyword that shows up repetitively and to date tops the search list is

September Is National Recovery Month

September is about two weeks away now. I know everyone on this side of the addiction and epidemic are sporting purple right now. Purple Ribbons on the lapel, Purple Ribbons of remembrance on Facebook for those who lost their battle with addiction. Many Facebook pages and webpages reminding that

Effective Treatment For Drug Addiction

I am learning new things each and everyday. I just recently learned what exactly caused our son to relapse three years ago.

Mostly what I am hearing from the girl friend and the information I am learning, in the end this possibly can turn into a mess. I'm not here right now in this post to talk about such things. This post concerns effective treatment for drug addiction.

Based on scientific research since the mid-1970s, the following key principles should form the basis of any effective treatment program:

Read More>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Effective Approaches For Treating Drug Addiction

Sustance Abuse Treatment Facilities in the USA

I have a page at the top of the blog specific for listings of treatment and recovery services here in West Virginia.

I have been trying to keep this page updated. Although I have this directory posted on that page, I wanted to put it here in a post as well.

The SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Directory of Treatment facilities in the U.S.A.

If interested, this is in PDF form but does not require download. Give it time to load because it is over 800 pages.

SAMHSA National Directory

Newness of Life

To those needing help with addiction and treatment, please reach out to Justin Ponton at The Newness of Life in Huntington, West Virginia

Justin has a great program going on down in the sourthern part of the state. This is a treatment and recovery house. This is a long term program. Eight to ten months to graduate; more time if needed.

At first you may not feel like this is for you, but you'll be glad you went.

You can reach Justin any time day or night at 304-972-6601

The Newness of Life is located:

2210 9th Ave

Huntington, WV 25703

They're on Facebook @ Newness of Life

You can read the reviews at

The Newness of Life Reviews

At Newness Of Life

So, I wanted to write an update on our son Kyle who is already two days into his new life. He chose to go to a recovery house on Sunday, July 10, 2016. To me, he has two days now to celebrate in a year. The day he was born and they day he chose to live.

When we found him he had been doing heroin, pills and coke. He was in pretty bad shape. I had just messaged someone telling them that I had all but given up hope that I would ever be able to save him and the next minute that was exactly what I was doing.

I sent my message and the phone rang telling me if I didn't get there to him my son was going to die. Amazingly he was right there where he told that person he would be. The first step was that he was there. We talked a little about life and about living and he chose to live and fight this demon.

There isn't much to report as this is only his second day. I talked to him on the phone and he was starting to feel it but he's in good hands.

He is at the Newness of Life in Hungtington, West Virginia which will be his home for some months to come. He is five and a half hours away- ten hours round trip. I am a little torn that he is so far away from us, but for once in six months I know where he is and that he's going to get the help he needed for his second chance at living.

© 2016 Gossip Girl

The First Steps in Healing and Recovery For Martinsburg/Berkeley County WV

Yesterday evening we were invited to a sit down meeting with Councilman Kevin Knowles who has also been appointed as Berkeley County's Community Recovery Services Coordinator. He invited us to tell him about our son Kyle who has struggled with heroin and opiate addiction now for the past eleven years and to tell us his plans for the future of Martinsburg and Berkeley County as it relates to the heroin, opiate and drug problem we have here.

He shared with us his plans for his Recovery Resource Center and we got to visit the center which is still under construction and is

Recovery Resource Center

A Recovery Resource Center Is Set To Open Here

in Berkeley County by late June

City Councilman Keven Knowles and BC Community Recovery Services Coordinator announced his plans. If there are no set backs as we've seen in the past this is a giant step for Martinsburg and Berkeley County leading the way to more treatment center options available right here.

Petition For A Rehab Treatment Facility Here In Martinsburg, WV

We now have a petition to our Community Leaders here in Martinsburg and Berkeley County West Virginia to stop with the bureaucracy and red tape and to get this much-needed treatment center up and running...

Please help us by signing our petition and continue sharing this petition with everyone you know.

Berkeley County, WV, and Martinsburg, WV We Need A Drug Treatment Center in our Community!

Thank you for signing and for your support!

"We are in a heroin epidemic here in our community. We need the treatment facility that has been proposed at the site of 750 Baltimore St.in Martinsburg, WV. Berkeley County has reached the highest level of Drug Overdose daily in the State of West Virginia. We also have the highest Drug Overdose deaths in West Virginia. Those opposed who say "Not in my neighborhood. It's too close to churches. It's too close to the schools. My property values will drop."We've heard the excuses Not in your neighborhood? Look around you. It's in everyone's neighborhood. Too Close to churches? Inside the city limits, where do you think this activity is going on. Right in many of the church parking lots. When the churches here are putting up signs in their parking lots relating to this type of activity. It's around the churches already. Too close to Schools? Are you kidding me? It's already happening already in and around the schools here. Your property values will go down? Show us your statistics that say that.
Berkeley County Council you need to complete a feasibility study. Lack of this was the biggest objection from the City council members who voted against it.
Mayor of Martinsburg, City Council members, County Council Members- Wake up and look around you. In case you haven't realized this, the entire county of Berkeley (WV) and the City of Martinsburg (WV) is being consumed because of this heroin epidemic. We have lost way too many already to this epidemic already and will continue to lose many more because we need this treatment facility right here in Martinsburg.
Many of the heroin-addicted have children. Many, many children in this community have already lost their parents to this heroin epidemic already. Those children of the addicted are the future of our community.
Everyone is affected by this epidemic in some manner. If someone is having a heart attack and goes to the hospital- they will get treatment first and then a bed. When someone overdoses on heroin they are lucky if the treatment gets to them in time. If so, they are taken to the hospital, they are treated and released. Why? Because there are no beds available in the places they need to go for help. Why is that you may wonder? Because heroin has taken over most of the communities in West Virginia. There are no beds available.
We need this facility here in Martinsburg/Berkeley County so that our own local people will get the help and treatment needed for their addiction.
We are tired of hearing the excuses. We need to see the reality of this treatment center at 750 Baltimore St Martinsburg. Yesterday was too late. We need it today!
To our leaders here in Martinsburg, WV and Berkeley County WV: I just read a quote: "When something major happens in this country it isn't about those who suffer the greatest loss. It is about who profits most and who stands to lose the most money should the problem go away"
If that isn't it- then to prove us who are in favor of this treatment facility wrong. We in favor of this treatment facility at 750 Baltimore St are growing by many numbers. We refuse to be silenced any longer and we will not go away quietly."

© 2016 Gossip Girl

Turning Point of the Eastern Panhandle in WV

Another Facebook Page is for Turning Point of the Eastern Panhandle in WV. This is run by local residents of Martinsburg, WV- Tim and Emily Drewy

pic belongs to Turning Point of the Eastern Panhandle WV

"Providing confidential assistance for addicts to enroll them into a treatment program. We also offer means of support to more effectively maintain their sobriety. "

They are here to help families get their loved one into a treatment facility and also for anyone addicted. You can reach out to them. Their Facebook page is located @ Turning Point of the Eastern Panhandle WV

More Information For Turning Point: