Reviewed by: Patience Itson
See how this recovery program changed 2 locals’ lives
Reading time: 4 minutes
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On Sunday, August 11th, 24 men and women walked across the stage to commemorate their completion of The Foundry’s nine-month recovery program.
We spoke with two graduates to see this Bessemer-based ministry’s work in action. Here’s what we learned.
The Foundry has served the Greater Birmingham Area for 53 years. They recently held their 144th graduation—which is for those who completed the substance abuse and recovery program.
During the ceremony, each graduate thanked family, friends, and The Foundry staff for the significant role they played in their recovery.
In a worship center full of smiles, each graduate took the certificate that symbolized hope renewed and life restored.
Learn more about The Foundry and how they help Birmingham locals like Sonya and Paul.
Meet Sonya and Paul
The Foundry’s Christ-centered program gives hope to many who have lost sight of their purpose. They do this by providing the resources men and women need to break free from the chains of addiction.
We talked to Sonya and Paul, two members of The Foundry’s 144th graduating class, to learn how this local ministry changed their lives.
Which of The Foundry’s programs stood out most to you?
Sonya: “They keep making you work on yourself and think for yourself. They say ‘This is where it went wrong,’ and then discover what’s right for you.”
Paul: “The classes. The teachers and instructors actually care. They’re more than willing to talk personally with you so you can work through your issues.”
How do you think The Foundry is different from other organizations?
Sonya: “The Foundry dives deeply into how you lived your life rather than just trying to put a bandaid on it. They force you to touch issues that most other places wouldn’t dare. That way, when you come out of this program, you are healed and functional.”
Paul: “It’s not structured as a way for you to simply make it through the day. It’s about making life-altering decisions. That way we don’t think about how we’re not going to drink or do drugs that day, but actually live without those things.”
What do you plan to do after graduating?
Sonya: “While I was in the program, I became motivated to give back as The Foundry does. I applied to UAB and will major in Behavioral Science with a minor in Education. I’m ready to get back out there and show the world what this organization has given me.”
Paul: “I can go and have the life I had before. I was going on mission trips, helping at church and coaching youth sports. I want to do that again and see where God’s going to lead me.”
Give back to The Foundry’s 53-year mission
You can support The Foundry’s 53-year mission in many ways, including:
When I spoke with Sonya and Paul, their gratitude for The Foundry was clear.
I didn’t know them before they found this ministry. After hearing their stories, I had no doubt their lives changed for the better.
“You can find 1,000 reasons to leave every day, but if you find a reason to stay, you have a promise of a better future.”
Paul, August 2024 graduate, The Foundry
Learn more about The Foundry’s life-changing work.
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