Building a future: How a local ministry is creating a safe haven for expectant mothers overcoming addiction

Addiction to drugs is a difficult battle for a woman to fight and overcome, but being pregnant makes it even harder.

Recycling Grace Ministries is working to provide a safe place to provide treatment to keep mother and child together at a local maternity center.

The program’s “goal is to get them off drugs,” said the Rev. Sandra Mick-Shockey, who is a pastor, CEO and founder of Recycling Grace Ministries

If a woman happens to be fighting that battle of addiction while pregnant, there are few places for her to go for help, Mick-Shockey said.

The goals are to assist the expectant mother to get clean, get a job or volunteer, and get the baby in daycare.

“Some even work when pregnant,” Mick-Shockey said.

The organization’s other goal is to have a 2,664-square-foot, six-bedroom facility located at 1407 N. Fifth St. under a roof with windows and doors so work can continue during the winter.

Recycling Graces hopes to open the maternity home in March.

Mick-Shockey said the local community has been great.

“We are blessed here in Poplar Bluff,” she said. “Together, we are helping women trade their shame for dignity, weakness for strength, insecurity for security, and preparing them and their families for the future.”

The goal is to get the expectant mothers in the center before giving birth so she won’t lose the baby to the system, and they can stay together, Mick-Shockey said.

“Women will be able to stay here throughout their pregnancy, up until the first six months of the baby’s life, while they focus on beating their addiction and getting their lives together,” she said.

The building will be part of the Recycling Grace ministry — a faith-based program that exclusively focuses on helping women overcome their battles with addiction.

Construction is being handled by volunteers from Habitat for Humanity. Multiple volunteers and organizations involved with the project include Gus Winkler, who is the building and trades teacher at Three Rivers College. Local contractor Nathan Padgett has donated his time and has brought some of his crew out to work on this building. Crews from different churches have volunteered. Crossroads Ministry installed the decking and put on the roof.

Mick-Shockey encouraged those interested to seek out the organization for volunteer opportunities.

Anyone interested in the program may email: recyclinggrace@yahoo.com or call 573-686-3333.