Lt. governor gets first hand look at PB needs

Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe toured the three locations of Recycling Grace Women’s in Poplar Bluff and talked with program participants Wednesday during a tour of Southeast Missouri.

Kehoe also visited Three Rivers College and Gamma Healthcare Inc., as well as sites in Kennett.

Kehoe spent two hours visiting women in the program, workers and the center’s volunteer board, said center supporter Tom Newman of Poplar Bluff.

Kehoe “is very active and works with other charities,” Newman said. “He has a soft spot for that type of work.”

After listening to the women’s stories, Kehoe offered motivational advice.

When Kehoe asked how many women had been helped at the center, a volunteer brought out a binder.

He asked if it contained the names of those helped, and the volunteer replied, these are the applicants; “this is the need we have.”

Newman explained, the binder included information on 200-plus applicants, who want to enter the program.

While the program is considered short term, Newman hopes with additional housing, the program may be expanded to offer longer term living arrangements.

RGWC founder and chief executive officer Sandy Mick said she was honored Kehoe, his wife, Claudia, and daughter, Carol, visited and encouraged the residents and volunteers.

Recycling Grace is a Christ-centered environment for women to break the cycle of addiction and become productive members of society. The organization has helped at least 200 women since it first opened in 2014, but has seen the ongoing need for the work.

“We value honoring God along with hard work and integrity as a model for success,” Mick said. “We have 15 beds full at our two residential centers, and we have a waiting list.”

The original site has eight beds and the second home, Linda House, has seven beds. A third location, which will provide beds for 14-16 additional women, currently is being remodelled and will double the number of those who can be served, Mick said.

Requirements to become a resident are being a female, 18 or older; detoxed (free of alcohol and/or drugs); and seeking recovery from addiction.

“Women who do not choose to participate in the residential program are welcome to attend groups and classes at the center,” Mick said.

Some of the program’s workers, like Mick, do not draw a salary.

“Recycling Grace helps women examine the cause of their pain and process it,” Mick said. “Instead of living out of pain, they learn to live out of the heart Jesus gave them and will demonstrate.”

Those in the program are expected to participate actively and consistently in an individualized, structured recovery plan, with faith-based groups, classes and counseling.

They will be asked to seek, engage in and maintain employment and/or pursue training and educational opportunities, Mick said.

They will become team workers, who help keep the facilities clean, as well as are courteous and respectful of others and their property, Mick said.

RGWC practices integrity to ensure sustainability by managing operation costs through donations, fundraising and grants.

To provide the service for the women, center officers and directors work year-round to raise funds.