Stones of Hope: Stories of Recovery

Based on life stories of ​Exodus Homes

civic engagement creative writing from the ​Tractor Shed Theatre St. Stephens High School

From director Molly Rice

The Tractor Shed Theatre, St. Stephens High School’s Theatre Department, is an award-winning program known statewide for its community work. We take pride in our civic engagement and professional partnerships using the arts to raise awareness and funds for local and national nonprofits. Our auditioned class of Fall Play Production (actors, singers, musicians, dancers, photographers, visual artists, writers, and filmmakers) choose a charity in the community to torch-bear the life stories of the participants of the organization to make meaningful interpretive art. Each year fall Play Production research local charities and outreach programs in our community. We choose an organization to approach for possible collaboration to help raise awareness and funds. The student artists take field trips to facilities in hopes of gathering life stories of the participants and to learn about what the charities do to help those who live on the margin. We seek to give voices to those stories and use the creative arts to heighten awareness. The project culminates into a performance open to the public and all proceeds go back to the organization. This year we are honored to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with Exodus Homes on Jan. 15th at 7pm to perform our creative arts piece ​“Stones of Hope: Stories of Recovery”​ at the Exodus Missionary Outreach Church. Admission is $10 with all proceeds going back to Exodus Homes. Exodus Homes is a faith-based United Way agency that provides supportive housing in Hickory, NC for homeless recovering people returning to our community from treatment centers, prisons, and VA facilities. Residents receive crisis stabilization, housing, transportation, employment, outpatient substance abuse treatment, participate in recovery programs, and have opportunities to grow spiritually. Exodus Homes reduces neighborhood crime and prison recidivism. Exodus Homes residents are required to work and pay fees for the services they receive. I was delighted when my students chose Exodus Homes and when Reverend Susan Walker had the insight to accept my students invitation to collaborate. We first heard the inspirational life story of our very own vice principal Exodus Graduate and founder of Young People of Integrity, Chris Johnson. Based on his life story, the students wrote an original spoken word piece that will start and end the show.They were moved and ready to visit Exodus Homes to meet and hear other life stories. Bobby first met us at the door and led us in to the conference room. He was a bit nervous but we assured him we were excited to meet him and hear his story of recovery. He settled in and shared. Soon Reverend Walker joined us and we all sat at the conference room table and communed with the two of them. We asked a chorus of questions

about substance abuse, codependency, prison, broken and mended relationships, forgiveness, stigma, empathy, God’s grace, love, and purpose - an education that is usually not akin to a classroom. Reverend Walker wanted us to have a woman’s perspective and called up Darlene to come visit with us. Just as Bobby, she was amazing to meet. So willing to talk to my young people about the pitfalls of the darkened path of addiction and crime and how to focus on the positive through recovery. Reverend Walker shared about her past as well. However, she was so humble that she steered us back to others’ stories at Exodus - especially Reverend Longcrier. Reverend Walker gave us his book ​From Disgrace to Dignity. ​It became my Christmas reading and it was so hard to put down. What a journey! Upon our return from Christmas break, we had to get in gear as we spent a lot of time in reflection after our Exodus trip. The class broke into four sections to tell four stories - the stories of Rev. Walker, Rev. Longcrier, Bobby, and Darlene. We added those pieces to the group piece written before break for Mr. Johnson. On a personal note, I’m quite transparent in my classroom about my own family’s struggle with addiction and incarceration. My beloved brother overdosed and died when he was 36. I wish he had a recovery story but I torch-bear his story in my own life. Many other family members, friends, current students, and past students also have overdosed, struggle with addiction, or have recovered. We should not keep silent and hide these problems that face our community. There should be no shame. We should have more programs like Exodus Homes. They are a stone of hope from a mountain of despair.

Tractor Shed Theatre Civic Engagement Past Performances: Life Lines​ (Catawba Regional Hospice) 2016-2017 Help4Hope​ (Catawba Valley Behavioral Health Care) 2015-2016 Voices​ (Guardian Ad Litem of Catawba Valley) 2014-2015 Saying Grace: Stories from the Shelter​ (Grace House Day Shelter) 2013-2014 Ars Longa Vita Brevis​ (Pace@Home: all inclusive care for the elderly) 2012-2013 Reach Out​ (Women's Resource Center, Safe Harbor Rescue, Family Guidance Center, & Children's Advocacy & Protection Center) 2011-2012

You See the Glory Now You Know the Story The Story ALL:

Let me take you on a journey

Melani:

He started at 19

McKenna:

Lost the life he built

Seven:

He used everyone around him until they were tapped out

Alex:

Sleeping in abandoned buildings, cars, and homes to get her

Melani & McKenna:

To reach her

Addi:

And through the battle of survival he stole because of her and even though she drained him

Hannah:

He still longed for her

Seven & Emily:

She burnt everyone he loved

Alex:

Wrecked his home

Addi:

And even after all the broken bridges he never thought he’d be holding himself from jumping off one

ALL:

February 27 5:30 am

Hannah:

“911, what’s your emergency”

Natalie:

“I just need help”

Hannah:

“Stay on the phone”

Natalie:

“I never thought it would come to this”

Hannah:

“Help is on the way, everything is going to be alright”

Natalie:

“I’m trying”

Theo:

Powder

Josh:

Snow

Hannah:

Dust

Coleson:

Blow

Melani:

Coke

ALL:

Cocaine…

Seven:

She is his worst enemy

Josh:

He needed help

Emily :

He needed to get away

Coleson:

He needed Exodus

Theo :

When he first had the chance to get in he failed the drug test

Melani:

But he did not lose hope

Hannah:

He knew he wasn’t allowed to stay there but he was going to fight everyday for the opportunity to try again

Josh:

And for eleven days he walked back and forth between Exodus and the homeless shelter

McKenna:

Day in, Day out

Addi:

Those steps became his home

Coleson:

Because he wasn't just struggling with substance abuse, he was

ALL:

homeless.

Alex:

He wanted his life, his job, his soul

Theo :

On that eleventh day he was asked if he was ready

Coleson & Addi:

Ready to face the obstacle that ruined him

McKenna:

Wrecked and changed him

The Glory Addi and Coleson:

Ready to face the obstacle that ruined him

McKenna:

Wrecked and changed him

All:

April 23, 2003 - Acceptance

Coleson:

He passed the hardest test he would ever face

Josh:

Exodus welcomed him with open arms

McKenna:

Through their faith based program, and God’s grace

Addi:

He was able to find a home and the courage to go on

Alex:

From the strength found underneath angels’ wings

Emily:

Many men mentored him through his steps to recovery

Seven:

Others at Exodus were endlessly coming and going

Melani:

Getting sucked in by the temptress that couldn't bare to see them sober

Hannah:

For one year and one month he stayed and worked hard to redeem himself.

Theo:

Still shame held him close and he was tired of hiding who he once was -

Coleson & Josh:

Athlete

McKenna & Addi:

Coach

Alex & Emily:

Teacher

Seven & Melani:

Husband

Hannah & Theo:

Father

All:

July 4th 2003 - Field Day

Coleson:

He set up field day in a perfect way

Josh:

To surprise the children he led at church

McKenna:

The same way he once did for his students as a teacher.

Alex:

Shame had held his secret but now the truth what spotlit

Emily:

Exodus gave him more opportunities to be a role model

Melani:

He began to share his story to a younger generation

Hannah:

And as Martin Luther King Jr. said,

Theo & Coleson & Josh: ​“Out of the Mountain of Despair,” Mckenna & Addi & Alex:​ “A stone of hope.” Emily:

He managed to go back to a life he once lost

Seven:

he was able to make amends with all those he hurt

Melani:

To this day, thirteen years clean,

Hannah:

He leads us down our own hallways.

Theo:

He guides us everyday in our life

Coleson:

Helping us realize that we can overcome fear

Josh:

And some of the greatest obstacles that we can ever come to terms with

Mckenna:

And though he has come so far in his journey, he still struggles

Natalie:

One day at a time

All:

Because you see the glory and now you know the story

Written for Mr. Johnson By the cast of Fall Play Production 2017

Less Stigma, More Empathy There are nearly 400 homeless people accounted for in Catawba County alone. 70 percent are suffering from substance abuse. 30 percent have other mental health disorders. 10 percent are fugitives in hiding. Many are struggling with all three of these things. From what I can see we have an empathy problem. Stigma is strong and teens my age think that it is laughable when someone struggles with homelessness, mental health disorders and substance abuse. Doing and selling drugs have become such a part of our landscape that we navigate around those who are lost on a daily basis. We don’t tell on them or try to help them or we become a snitch, a narc, a rat. So we avoid the subject altogether. Words, labels, make it easier to deal with any true feelings we may have about the addict. Stigma is the mark of disgrace. But what about grace? The free and unmerited favor of God? Martin Luther King Junior said “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude.” He also said “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” He says that “forgiveness is a pardon. It is a fresh start, another chance, a new beginning.” ​Everyone deserves that. Everyone deserves forgiveness. And we as a community can’t keep judging people based on their past and their history. These people aren’t their past. They deserve forgiveness. Even if you can never forget what has happened. It’s hard loving an addict. I’ve been there. You become so angry at that person you begin to lose all hope. All of your faith in that person is gone. And for me, it is my father. He wasn't the best father figure for me.There were days I would come home from school and wonder who I was coming home to whether it would be the man I could consider Dad or someone I didn’t know because he was strung out on drugs. The worst part were the lies he would tell me and my family. People I didn't know we're at my house and I was told to go to my room but I knew what was happening. We all thought that we could fix him somehow but the only person that could save him was himself. I felt he chose drugs over his his children, his wife, and over his own being. But it was an addiction. He wouldn’t come over for days on end and I placed all the blame on myself thinking that if I would have done something differently it wouldn't be like this. I thought that maybe if I was just a better kid he wouldn't feel that he needed drugs anymore But it's an addiction. And I still love him because he is my father. And although I will never forget what my family went through I have forgiven him because I know my dad is an addict. I still hope for him to be better and not for me but for himself because I’ve learned we should have less stigma and more empathy.

Addi W.

Saved For Rev. Reggie Longcrier (Based on ​From​ ​Disgrace to Dignity​) He started as a shoe shine boy. Shining the shoes Of the hero hustlers Who weren’t fit To buckle his boots But he was blind to it then. You can’t look neat When your shoes look beat. But when you are hitting The streets no shoe truly shines. Shining shoes and playing pool Was too slow for the fast buck. Switching to purse-snatching, Shoplifting, and breaking and entering Built a better resume of crime. Hustling pool, cards, dice, worthless checks, Stolen property, fake jewelry, drugs and girls. He was addicted to the lifestyle The rush of close calls Before drugs came cruising in. A guy named crowbar Told him​ they ain’t no Money like dope money. He was always trying to get a dollar Out of a dime so he started selling and skin popped heroin to test drive the drug Because ​what could it hurt to try it? Didn’t like it and stopped. But soon enough in the right Place at the right time he Yielded again to a g-shot in The shooting gallery Not wanting to seem square He rounded himself overdosed.

Drugs slid their seductive charms into the crook of his arm. He slugged in one step The burn of the bottle. And fell from grace No longer crowned King of the streets. He double-dealed himself. From snorting to skin-popping To mainlining serving time to Bags of heroine, caps of coke, speedballs, weed, rum and coke, Meth, white liquor, all had a grip-hold That landed him in the tango Of a long-lasting street affair The death dance. He sold drugs, love, and hot goods. Craving and chasing the big sting. In prison to pass the time He started studying scripture, Taking courses, And concentrating on the good word Like a crossword puzzle. He repented. Facing fourteen-to-life Asking for grace, His aunts led Him to Goodwill To buy instead of steal Clothes and a pair of shoes. Manpower gave him A paycheck instead of A bankroll. And he knew Old things had passed away And all things new being made.

Mr. Zerden supplied Him his first full-time job In the clothes’ store. God was no new trick up His sleeve but some so-called Christians swore it so. Holding the keys to The prison gate As Chaplin To bars that once Held him in coined the term from disgrace to dignity. Now walking in Shoes Shining From God’s way The path from sinner to saved.

Molly Rice

For Reggie Longcrier

DISGRACE Reggie, the streets called him by name. Come, Come, Come, They begged pulling him in close like a terrible tango. The streets first hustled him in at a tender age. Pool houses, purse-snatchings, robberies Their influence was nothing but gross. He first met the detention center at the age of eleven. Drugs, theft, girls All came upon his release. The streets whispered Reggie, you’re not alone Here come some foolish friends Ready and needy Money to buy more; sell more, is what they bring. You’re in good hands, buddy. Don’t you worry. You’ll be kept safe. And the streets led him in close embrace. More arrests. More thefts. More misdeeds. The streets wouldn’t let the man go A man of God, left to fend off the demons alone. Drugs slid their seductive charms into the crook Of his arm he slugged in one step The burn of the bottle. And fell from grace No longer crowned

King of the streets. They were intertwined And hooked together A vine with many trees All ready To fall And decompose To leave a dirge Of sad sin A prayer for the next name called.

Alex G

DIGNITY For Reverend Longcrier A​: Reggie, a man succumbed to his indecencies, Was striving for a change. Grappling for a new Way of living, after watching more and more years Of his life go wasted, the man reached out to His overshadowed faith. N​: God had, for too long, been pushed aside. Now, Reggie, wanting to feel safe, Allowed the light from within to rise; A:​ Religion’s flames melted away his past -Reggie’s Christian life had begun at last. N:​ Years were spent in-and-out of a cramped cell. From detention centers to county jails to State prisons. Reggie no longer wanted to fail And fall into the same routine -- he wanted to go through It all, and become a better person on the other side. A:​ He wanted to firmly resurrect his beliefs, and sought For a better relationship with his Lord. Died And born again, Reggie was forming himself into a New man. He was doing better, day-by-day. N:​ With this new hope he began to go to church -Listening to and learning from what he could.

A:​ Reggie’s Christian beliefs, after his search For a new life, were constantly growing. Prayer after prayer, his faith stood Strong. ​N:​ Reggie grew as a man; Reggie grew as a Christian. God had taken his crooked road and made It straight. As his journey continued to make way, Offers to speak had been made. ​A:​ Reggie conveyed His new-found wisdom and graced it upon those who came. Reggie preached and preached, and had changed all the same. N:​ As he moved forward, God paved several paths for him to take. Appointed as the prison chaplain at Catawba County Correctional Center, He was given the chance to reach out and awaken The hearts of many. ​A:​ His influence didn’t stop there -- his love and faith were Enough to cause him to found Exodus Homes in the following years. Pastor and leader, Reggie was doing his best to serve his fellow man. N:​ Providing shelter and care for the homeless; addicted; incarcerated, he steered Them to a place where they could live happily; healthily; safely. Reggie’s love and compassion encompassed all; he wanted all to live freely. A:​ Being blessed by God’s grace was a life-saver for him, Showing others that there can be hope after dope. When the lights in his life seemed dim, and he had been pushed to his brim, The doors that had once been closed were now opened -- ​N:​ he had hope; He had opportunities -- Prison Chaplain; Founder of Exodus -even after his past as an ex-convict and addict. ​A:​ A seemingly ruined Life was taking a turn for the better. He was no longer consumed by darkness. N:​ Reggie’s story shows that God can transform the worst in us From disgrace to dignity.

Natalie W. & Alex G.

His Love Was and Still is Greater For Reverend Susan Walker

McKenna ​(sings): “Victory in Jesus”

I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning Of His precious blood’s atoning, Then I repented of my sins And won the victory. O victory in Jesus, my savior, forever. He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood. He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the Cleansing flood.

Melani: ​Rev. Susan Walker was not always a woman walking in faith. In fact, she was the exact opposite. She had never grown up going to church and in her teen Years struggled with alcohol abuse and carried That burden to womanhood. She was a functioning addict. She could help others but not herself. She never intended on becoming a minister And vowed to never become a Christian in the 80’s based on her husband’s wishes. He believed it would wreck their marriage. They both worked as social workers. Helping adolescents in group homes and Therapeutic foster care. They saw 26 years together. She broke her promise as God was called into her life, she was not forced into it He just found His way in. Fixing her from the ground up His Love overpowered all else. Her husband was not so pleased with God or her He felt rejection and pain as his childhood experiences built A mighty blockade that he would take to the grave. Melani and McKenna:​ Matthew 18: 21-22 McKenna:​Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Melani:​Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seven times seventy.

Melani: ​(Sings)“It is Well with My Soul” When Peace like a river attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul It is well, with my soul

McKenna: ​His Love overpowered all else. Her first steps with God started with a curious mind and a loving couple. This married couple loved God with all their heart And were also dedicated to changing the lives of children. Through their continuous actions of love Susan felt the need to go to their church, And met the man that would help empower her life Rev. Longcrier became her rock With him she stood strong in her faith McKenna & Melani:​ (Sings) “Go Tell it on the Mountain” Go tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go tell on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born While shepherds kept their watching over silent Flocks by night Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light Go tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

Melani: Learning and becoming what she never Thought would overtake her life Becoming a licensed minister And an Ordained minister in Pastor Emmanuel Reformed Church She worked with a faith based view and an open mind, Exodus, having a supportive housing program, Is where she started. Beginning with 14 apartments She served and has been for the last 20 years She was the most unlikely person to become a Christian, But it goes to show that God works in mysterious ways.

McKenna L. & Melani L.

I Believe You

For Bobby Eugene Smith Dad:​ ​(Sitting down)​ Dear god, thank you for all you’ve done. Helping me to get where I am today, away from my addiction and my troubled past. Thank you for helping me find Exodus who has helped me get back on my feet and even get closer to you. Please watch over my family during this time while I’m not able to, and help those who are struggling with addiction as well. Thank you god. Amen. ​(Stands) Exodus Member:​ ​(Enters) ​Bobby, you have a visitor. ​(Guides Hannah in and Exits) Dad:​ Hi ​(stunned/shocked) Daughter:​ Hey Dad.

Dad:​ ​(Steps toward Hannah and she steps back)​ How are you? It’s been awhile. Daughter:​ Years

Dad:​ You’re all grown up

Daughter:​ Yeah. That’s what happens (Awkward silence) Daughter:​ ​(Crosses arms)​ Look the only reason I’m here is because I saw that article in the newspaper, it said you were getting better and doing alright for yourself. I wanted to come see if it was true. Dad:​ Well I tried to reach out

Daughter:​ (​Cuts him off)​ I know. ​(Pause)​ I didn’t want to talk to you, none of us wanted to talk to you. Not after what you did. ​(Dad walks away from daughter) Dad:​ ​(Aside) ​Of course they didn’t want to talk to me, why would they? Daughter:​ You hurt a lot of people dad, not just me.

Dad:​ ​(Turn back to her)​ I know. And I’m so sorry. All I can ask for is forgiveness.

Daughter:​ ​(Aside)​ I just need to know if this is real or not. What if he just gets out of here and goes straight back to the streets. Dad:​ ​(Continue and Sitting down)​ When I was homeless all I could think about was getting my next fix. I was a speed freak, and I would have done anything to get it. While sleeping in an abandoned building, I stole, I robbed people, I even sold. I know there is a lot that you don’t know about me. When I was a kid my father died and left us behind and my siblings and I went into foster care. It’s hard for me to realize that I’m doing the same thing to my children. ​(Aside) You’d never think you’d have to tell your child something so awful, and see the judgement in their eyes.

Daughter:​ Dad.. you don’t have to explain ​(Sitting down) (Aside)​ I don’t think I’m even ready to hear this. Can I even trust what he says? Maybe it’s all more than I can handle. Dad:​ Yes. Yes I do need to explain I hurt all of you and nothing I say or do is going to change any of that. But I am getting better. I have a full time job now. Daughter:​ ​(Interrupting and stands up) ​And how long will that last?! Are you just going to quit that like you quit on us? Dad:​ ​(Standing up for himself and stands up as well)​ I’m not that person anymore! Those letters you and your siblings wrote about wishing their father was around while I was away is what finally woke me up. And from then on the goal of being a better father is what gave me the strength to keep going. Daughter:​ ​(Realizing)​ I didn’t know that. ​(Aside)​ I didn’t know he thought about us so much. I thought he just didn’t care. Dad:​ ​(Continuing)​ And ever since I got out of prison all I’ve wanted to do is come back and be a part of your lives again. ​(Breaking down)​ I would do anything for you guys, anything. I promise I will never give up on you again. Daughter:​ (Aside) ​I don't remember a time he's ever been this determined for something good. Maybe this is real. Dad:​ ​(Almost crying and turns to the front)​ I’m so sorry

Daughter:​ Dad, don't cry. I believe you. I can see that you've come a long way. ​(pause)​ And I really miss having my dad, having you, in my life. Dad:​ ​(smiling)​ I’ve missed you too. ​(They hug)

Coleson B. & Hannah M.

Possessive Lore Dedicated to one of the strongest I know, Bobby Smith You stand there with your tantalizing physique, White, bright like the stars that dare to haunt a night sky, long tormented by the ​nightmares​ of your vacancy. From my heart, my hand, my ​soul​, you stole from me. Every bond, every friend, everyone I loved, you stole with those ice cold hands you squeeze around my heart, ​captivating me​, intoxicating me like a dizzy child. When I let you in my front door I never thought I would be falling in love with the enemy, the one who would trip me up into ​losing it all​. You brought me a rush no one could ​ever ​recreate, Speed, faster than light, Speed I ​desire​. Like a fish, you have me hooked. With each toxic inhale of your ​euphoric disease​, your ​drunken stupor​, you drown me with your sweet liquor. Something I feel I will ​never​ get enough of. You have diminished every foundation I ever had. Taking those of my own ​flesh and blood​ away from me. But I still loved you. Even though I received ​no love​ in return. The weight of you upon my chest has become ​unbearable. To ​breathe​ is to ​survive​. To survive without ​you. Then, like ​Moses​, they came. Bright like ​the light of God, With open arms strong enough to part the Red Sea of your ​subjugation. From your ​Assyrian Captivity​ I ​fled​, Grasping to the hands that would forever ​change me​, ​save me. Exodus.

By Théodréd V.

Shelter

For Darlene Josh:​ Through an ocean of adversity, you have to seek shelter on the shore of happiness because even when you fall below depths so far that you hit rock bottom, you have to be able to pull yourself back up to the surface in order to breathe again. She was young and like all of us, wanted to fit in, but sometimes hanging with the wrong ones can pull you away from what’s important. Not caring about anyone or anything, including herself. Anchored by temptation. The devil’s grasp had her bowing at the feet of crack cocaine, taking her to a world she could never fathom. Separated from family, imprisoned, nothing left but a razor under the tongue. Seven:​ Through an ocean of adversity, you have to seek shelter on the shore of happiness “Mama, I know this isn't where you wanna be right now, but I can rest because I know where you are. What is important today is that you are happy.” After being numb to the world for so long; writing to Exodus every single day, her prayers were answered, she was set free. God gave her the opportunity to get better for herself and her family. Before she couldn’t be trusted now she owns the key to her daughter’s house. Before she couldn’t be trusted, now she’s not tempted by the purse in her lap. Before she couldn’t be trusted, but now she’s there to see her grandchildren grow up. Exodus released her from the grasp of the devil, and brought her to the feet of the Lord. Emily:​ Through an ocean of adversity, you have to seek shelter on the shore of happiness because you have a purpose; you deserve to see yourself succeed. “Anybody can make a mistake, but it won’t do any good if you don’t learn from it.” Crack cocaine was not her friend, the streets were not her home. She learned that positive is the right way. Going to sleep every night with a smile and waking up with one too. Coming to Exodus feels like coming back home. There she found a foundation that helped her build a life that she loves. Today she is the Women’s Site Manager, learning to live independently, working and buying presents for her grandchildren. Today she is closer to God. All:​ December 16th, 2017 four years clean. We met an inspirational woman named Darlene.

Josh K., Seven L. & Emily H.

Found A found poem from the words heard at Exodus Homes I can’t help myself but I can help others Co-dependant on the One-sided love affair where she poured her heart Into the broken glass of feel-good and drank it’s bitterness drowning her ​feelings​. It started with depression He was a disconnected line Meth had him in fast-forward Looped in paranoia unable to break The spell All went to hell as he lost Control breaking to bits an Alarm clock frantically Searching for the voices He heard inside. I hung out with the wrong people She was a razor Walking the streets Wondering where she might lay her head My choice - wouldn’t swallow my pride for help Hurting people Asking forgiveness - sorry for the wrong Biggest joy to have family standing on your side Cars riding by, hoping to see a family member Don’t even take the path Can’t go back but I look back and never want to be there again

Now Leaning on God I stay on the right track Far away from temptation I say no, not for me I have Battle scars Razor in mouth (even in court) I was dangerous. Made mistakes and learned from them. Now everybody is love to me Honey baby I own a key to a home Trust Pocket book on my lap There was a time she wouldn’t even bring her purse near me Joy with myself I hurt when I get up but I do get up And I smile. Times I feel like the struggles was for a reason God has purpose Reveal it Lost my mama when in addiction But will meet her again in the Golden room. Prison gave me Exodus. Positivity Closer to god is my main goal in life Own my own house and stay affiliated with Exodus Admit it Not Ashamed It’s my testimony There is “test” and “I” in testimony Once lost now found All recovering In Exodus where Lives are ​well-crafted​.

At Exodus Homes excited to meet Rev. Walker, Bobby, & Darlene. Dec. 16th, 2017

Helped to sell Honor Cards for Exodus Homes

Reverend Susan Walker sharing her life story and telling us about Exodus Homes

Posing together after hearing Bobby’s recovery story

Learning about Recovery through the life story of Darlene

Our Flyer created to promote the show

Rev. Longcrier & Rev. Walker Founders of Exodus Homes & together again with Mr. & Mrs. Claus our very own Mr. Johnson & his wife.

Student Reflections on visit with Exodus Homes: “Today we went to Exodus and talked with a two of the residents, Bobby and Darlene, and listened to their stories. We also met with the minister there who had a story of her own. I wasn't sure what to expect walking into Exodus but it definitely made me glad we chose this organization. Listening to the incredible stories of perseverance even made me a bit emotional at times but I hid it pretty well.” - Hannah M. “I learned so much yesterday, I don’t think you ever really know how real homelessness and addiction is until you hear someone tell their own story.” - Coleson B. “I liked that she (Darlene) said she doesn’t blame the people who influenced her to get into drugs, or even the drugs themselves, because it was her choice...She also said that she believes she went through these struggles for a reason, and that she has a purpose. She was exactly 4 years clean the day we met her (December 16th) and it was special to celebrate with her.” - Emily H. “ I thought that it was very humbling that after everything he (Bobby) has been through to cope with his addiction and having his family accept him back in his life, that he is now able to see his niece for the first time this Christmas. It is also great to hear that through the Exodus Works program, that he was able to find a full time job outside of the program and he is now able to live his life to full potential, without any negative influences in his life.” - Josh K. “Approaching Exodus with an open mind, and a somewhat ready heart, turned out to be the up-turn of my long week. Being able to walk into a space filled with people in the mists of recovery, hear about their lives, and what has lead them up to where they are now, was an emotional journey all on its own. It was a very emotional meeting with Darlene, and Bobby, who have come from the lowests of the low, and are now getting back into the ways of their lives way before the afflictions of their addictions. I, myself, am very surprised that, with my past and current issues with my ​own​ addiction and recovery, that I was able to sit and listen to each story that really hit home in my heart… It’s heartwarming to know that I am not alone when it comes to truly struggling with addiction, to know that there are places out there, ​people​ out there in this world who are not afraid to help you through your hardships and addictions, no matter how bad it is. I am ever so thankful that Exodus exists, because without them, so many people would truly be lost, or even ​dead​ on the streets.” - Theo V. “​The

stories of Bobby and Darlene are important -- I think these stories could, potentially, be life-changing. There is so much bigotry surrounding so many topics today, -- so much hate -and I think that if people really listened to stories of people like this, that they may just change their views. If people can realize that, hey, they’re people too, then maybe that can bring about some unity. I don’t know. What I do know, though, is that Bobby and Darlene changed my mindset on, at least, one topic: change.” - Alex G.

Our website:​ ​https://www.catawbaschools.net//site/Default.aspx?PageID=4185 TST Social Media: ​https://www.facebook.com/TheTractorShedTheatre Exodus Social Media: ​https://www.facebook.com/exodushomes/ Exodus site:​ ​http://www.exodushomes.com/