New Russellville men’s recovery ministry hoping to build community support base

For people battling addiction, their support base can never be too large.

That’s why the founders of a new Christ-centered men’s transition home in Russellville are reaching out to the Franklin County community to be part of the team at Exodus House.

The new facility, opened by Daniel Green and Ray Hart, is a non-profit residential recovery ministry for men located at 1570 County Highway 48.

The program is set up to bring hope, structure and restoration to men by helping them rebuild their lives through faith, mentorship and meaningful work opportunities.

“While the program provides residential recovery, our vision extends far beyond the walls of the facility,” Green said. “Our goal is to create a regional network of churches, businesses and community members working together to address the challenges addiction continues to bring to families throughout our area.”

Addiction doesn’t simply affect individuals. It can ravage a community, creating an epidemic.

Alabamians are prescribed opioids at the second-highest rate among all 50 states. According to a 2023 study by www.wallethub.com, Alabamians were prescribed 71.4 opioid prescriptions per 100 residents, more than twice the national average.

The staff at Exodus House works with residents to create a life change that goes beyond just getting sober.

“Our goal is helping men experience a real life change through Jesus Christ while rebuilding the practical areas of life that addiction has damaged,” said Jordan Cantrell, Exodus House Director.

The goal of spiritual transformation as well as life restoration involves rebuilding lives through faith, mentorship and meaningful work opportunities.

And that’s where Green said they need community support to build residents’ support base.

“Participants focus on spiritual growth, personal responsibility, mentorship and rebuilding stability through employment. Many men entering recovery come with valuable work experience and skills but have struggled to find opportunities because of their past,” Green said.

“Local business that partner with the Exodus House play a vital role in helping men regain independence and confidence through meaningful work,” Green added.

Meaningful employment can motivate a recovering addictby providing something valued that can be lost by succumbing to addiction.

“Many of the men who come through our program are eager to prove themselves. When someone finally gives them a chance, they often become some of the hardest working people in the workplace,” Green said.

The ministry is already making an impact for men in the Franklin County Jail, where members of the Exodus House regularly minister to inmates by sharing the Gospel, offering hope and encouraging inmates to think about a new life path upon their release.

“We have seen many men begin their turnaround behind those walls,” Cantrell said. “Sometimes the first step toward change happens when someone finally hears that their life can still have purpose.”

The Exodus House will soon launch its community education initiative, designed to help local families better understand addiction and how to support loved ones caught up in its web.

Another important tool in recovery is a community effort from churches, families and individuals willing to sponsor program residents to help with intake fees for those who cannot afford them, clothing, personal care items and necessities and/or food support and other daily needs.

The Exodus House also needs men from area churches willing to serve as mentors to program participants. Mentors provide encouragement, accountability and guidance as men begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

“This kind of relationship can make a powerful difference. Many of the men entering recovery have never had someone consistently walking beside them,” Cantrell said.

The facility also needs sponsors of Life Recovery Bibles distributed to men entering the program.

And most of all, the ministry asks for continued prayers for the residents in the program, for their families and for the ministry itself.

As the Exodus House establishes its roots in Russellville, its organizers are prayerfully optimistic about adding additional programs and outreach initiatives designed to expand support for individuals and families impacted by addiction.

“We believe God is opening doors for something much larger. Our hope is to see churches, businesses and communities working together to bring restoration to people who need a second chance,” Cantrell said.

Green is encouraging local businesses interested in partnering with the Exodus House to call 256-398-7185.

You can learn more about the Exodus House by visiting their Facebook page. Just search “The Exodus House” to find the page.