City council recognizes Crossroads Ministries

Crossroads Ministries is a program that transforms the lives not only of those battling drug and alcohol addiction, but also of everyone those people will come into contact with, Poplar Bluff City Council member Ed DeGaris believes.

“I know when they do it, they’re going to take their loved ones with them, with a different outlook,” DeGaris said Monday, as council members paused to recognize the program.

The faith-based recovery program is about to celebrate the opening of a new and larger facility in Poplar Bluff, which will provide more opportunities to help those struggling with addiction, directors Jimi and LaDonna Waggoner have said.

A ribbon cutting will be held at 8:30 a.m. June 4 at 416 S. C St., the former Boys and Girls Club location. An open house is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15.

Crossroads, which is a six-month residential recovery program, purchased the property in 2018 and has spent the past year restoring the building. Also known as the former Hentz Alternative School, it had fallen into disrepair.

The new location will enable Crossroads to go from serving about 15 men now, to 25. It will also offer a place for graduates who need a little more time with the program, the Waggoners have said.

“I would really like to show you all what the Lord has done down there,” Jimi Waggoner told the council after accepting the award with his wife, adding that he is grateful and thankful to live in a place as wonderful as Poplar Bluff.

A plaque was presented to the couple by outgoing Mayor Susan McVey and DeGaris, with members of the program in attendance. They recognized the Waggoners’ and Crossroads’ dedication and commitment to providing hope and guidance, while brightening the lives for many.

“I first met you at Planning and Zoning, when you came and asked to take this dilapidated building that no one wanted, but you had a vision to see what you can turn it into, just like you take broken people, broken men that have let drugs and alcohol take over their lives,” McVey said.

That building, and the men they help, will become productive parts of society, according to McVey.

“I just want to say how grateful I am that we have people like you out there, that are stepping up to save not only our dilapidated buildings but our dilapidated lives,” she said.

Faith-based programs play a big role in what Crossroads does, including attendance at Grace Christian Fellowship Church.

Watching the men come in with their families, he sees smiles and tears, DeGaris said.

“I’ve realized that’s tears of joy. They realize they are getting their loved one back,” he said.

Crossroads bought their new building from Poplar Bluff School District, after raising $30,000 in just three days to make the purchase.

Men in the program do work, such as roofing and construction, to help support the program. They also do volunteer work in the community. They have spent the last year helping repair the new location.

The goal of the program is to help participants learn new, healthy habits, the Waggoners have said.

The Crossroads Ministries program was presented a plaque by the Poplar Bluff City Council for their dedication and commitment to providing hope and guidance, while brightening the lives for many. Photo provided