By Michael A. Cummings
MICHAELC@CULLMANTIMES.COM
Todd Kilpatrick founded J-Positive, a faith-based support group for recovering addicts and their co-dependents, in 2003, hoping to relate his experience as a recovering meth amphetamine addict to those struggling with the drug.
Since then, Kilpatrick said the Monday night meetings at Emeus Baptist Church in Logan have grown to include 50 to 70 addicts and co-dependents.
“Every week we do something different,” Kilpatrick said of the meetings. “We have a different speaker (each week). We keep it broke up.”
On Monday at 6:30 p.m., Kilpatrick will try to convince local officials to help him take his message to the schools.
“One thing we’re trying to get started is I go into schools and speak,” said Kilpatrick. “We go into one class a time. Instead of the teacher teaching, I’ll talk to them.”
Kilpatrick said County schools have no regular program aimed at keeping local teens off drugs.
“We don’t have any program in our high schools to keep kids off drugs,” Kilpatrick said, adding schools periodically invite him to talk to students. “It’s something that really needs to be pushed, something that really needs to happen because we have a real problem. It’s unreal what’s going on in our schools.”
Kilpatrick said the J-Positive program needs funding to continue to reach out to schools. To get his funding, Kilpatrick has enlisted the help of District Judge Kim J. Chaney, Monday’s guest speaker, who said he regularly addresses teens at Emeus.
“What I do is I go over there and work with them and encourage them to make good decisions,” Chaney said. “I tell them about some of the people I’ve seen, some of the things I’ve seen to help them in their recovery.”
Chaney said he often gives some drug offenders the option of attending to J-Positive as a condition of sentencing, staying out of jail, or posting bond. He said the faith-based program can be effective in some cases.
“Statistics show Christian-based programs are very effective for those who believe,” Chaney said.
Chaney added the success rate at any recovery program is proportional to the attendee’s level of commitment.
“It’s a personal decision,” he said. “Counseling will not benefit them unless they make their own commitment. The individual has to be ready to make a commitment to the program.”
For more information about J-Positive, visit Emeus Baptist Church’s website at http://www.emeusbaptistchurch.com.
Top News
Faith-based program looks to lead addicts to recovery
- Top News
-
-
Authorities seize synthetic marijuana at Good Hope Exxon; one charged
A Cullman man and local store manager is facing drug charges as a result of an investigation by the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET).
-
Man charged with trafficking pot
Suspicious traffic complaints to the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) from citizens about the area around Highway 91 in Colony led to the arrest of a local man Tuesday morning.
-
Two women injured in accident in Dodge City
Two Cullman women were transported by separate helicopters to UAB Tuesday to receive medical treatment following a two-vehicle accident at Dodge City.
-
Candy Phillips Thomas seeking probate judge seat
Longtime public school teacher Candy Phillips Thomas has announced she will seek the Republican nomination for Cullman County probate judge in the March 13 primary election.
-
3 arrested in connection with church burglaries
Three people were arrested over the weekend in connection with a church burglary that took place at Seventh Street Baptist Church in June of last year.
Eric McMillian turned himself into the Cullman Police Department Saturday and was charged with burglary and receiving stolen property according to officials. A female juvenile was also taken into custody. -
Hanceville church vandalized; 'Hail Satan' written in cross' place
Hanceville Police are working on several leads to find out who vandalized Center Hill Baptist Church sometime between Thursday night and the early morning Friday.
-
UPDATED: Woman injured over weekend dies; autopsy shows injuries consistent with fall
A state forensics autopsy has concluded that a Cullman woman who died due to head trauma over the weekend, after being found unresponsive in the parking lot of her apartment complex Saturday morning, was likely caused by a fall.
-
Drinkard announces new retail development
Retail in south Cullman is about to expand again, with the announcement of Drinkard Development’s new Willkommen Center.
-
Public trust at stake in 2012 legislative session
It’s tough to carry the momentum from an unprecedented wave of election-season support through a full term in office, especially in a year that will ask members of Alabama’s legislative class of 2010 — an effective Republican supermajority with built-in party consensus — to tackle some of the most challenging big-picture issues the state has faced in decades.
-
Lawmakers look at harsh cuts, place hope on private sector growth
Tuesday will mark the beginning of what is expected to be a trying, and likely contentious, journey through the murky pits of state funding procedures.
- More Top News Headlines
-
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
