• Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices

Franklin County Times
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyles
  • Obituaries
  • Records
  • Subscribe
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a news tip
  • Submit a photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Birthday announcement
  • Engagement announcement
  • Wedding announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
    Franklin County Times
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
    Faith-based addiction recovery center for women breaks ground
    News, Z - News Main, Z - TOP HOME
     By  María Camp Published 
    4:38 pm Friday, February 11, 2022

    Faith-based addiction recovery center for women breaks ground

  • 🞬
    ❮❯

    The Place of Grace founder and director Jocelynn James Edmonds, of Phil Campbell, in partnership with her church, Community Church at Hackleburg, took another step in making her dream a reality Thursday.

    Edmonds and supporters broke ground on a faith-based addiction recovery center for women. It’s a dream that’s been nine years in the making – one that’s inspired by Edmonds’ own experience with addiction and recovery.

    Clean and sober now since Nov. 5, 2012, Edmonds has made it her life’s mission to help others break free of addiction and work on recovery. By her count, she has been able to assist 2,003 women, as well as 176 men.

    The Place of Grace Center will provide a nine-month in-house program for women wanting help to recover from drugs and alcohol. “We want to show them there is another way of living, through Christ,” said Edmonds, “and teach them the life skills and Biblical principles they need to come out and be productive citizens.”

    Edmon said her journey through addiction started as a teenager. A cheerleader and basketball player, her life probably seemed good to the casual onlooker; however, her father was an alcoholic and drug addict, in and out of prison her whole life. At 13, her uncle took her in to raise, but he was killed in an 18-wheeler accident when she was 15, and that’s when her substance abuse first began, with drinking and smoking marijuana.

    Edmonds went on to experience other crises, including several miscarriages and cancerous cells.

    “I tried to cover it all up with drugs and alcohol,” explained Edmonds. “There’s no easy way out when you start doing drugs, and addiction doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone. By the time I was 28, I had taken my first pain pill, and by the time I was 30, I had become a 16-time felon.

    “I lost all of my self-confidence and self-respect along the way. Drugs will take all of that away from you. It has taken a lot to turn my life around, and I couldn’t have done it on my own.”

    Once she broke free of addiction, she realized she had a second chance and that God had put a calling on her life. Since then, she’s worked to help get others into recovery programs. “I’ve been operating out of a vehicle,” explained Edmonds. “Having a center will allow me to have more interactions with those I’m trying to help, and they won’t have to go so far away. I want to be able to walk the whole journey with them, and when our center is opened, I’ll be able to do that.”

    Her husband, Greg Edmonds, also in recovery, is committed to helping her to help others. “There are many broken souls throughout north Alabama, and we’ve been through this,” he said. “Our lives were broken and changed through the love and hope of Jesus Christ’s grace. It’s our passion to see people recover from their addictions and become happy and productive.”

    They’re not on the journey alone; they have many others helping them in their mission. Daniel Green, also a member of the church, works as a liaison between the church and The Place of Grace. “I have a similar background to Jocelynn and Greg,” explained Green. “I’m just blessed to be part of such a wonderful ministry. With what Jocelynn started and what God has provided, along with others along the way, it’s just been incredible to see everything that can be accomplished when we all work together, and it continues to inspire me.”

    For Joshua Lynn, lead pastor of Community Church at Hackleburg, it’s a mission he’s proud to be involved in. “At our church, we work to impact our community, our region and the world,” he said. “We connected with Jocelynn through jail ministries we were each doing. We have known for some time there was a great need for a bigger program to help. Jocelynn has a real heart and passion for this work, and I’m proud and honored we can all work together to accomplish it.”

    Lynn explained it’s a partnership that makes sense – one he feels will be effective in providing the help the Edmonds, the church and other supporters want to provide. “I believe together we’ll be able to make a unique impact in helping women restore their lives. Ultimately they, too, will impact their communities, regions and the world.”

    It’s something Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams said will be a big benefit to the community. “I’m very excited for The Place of Grace center to be built and opened in this county,” Williams said. “The number of female arrests and incarcerations in our county jails has been on the rise for some time, and I estimate around 95 percent of them are some form of drug-related charge.”

    Place of Grace President Undrea Sparks Gonzalez said she feels blessed to be by Edmonds’ side in this endeavor. “Whenever she comes to me with ‘crazy’ ideas, I ask if she’s sure. She tells me she has faith, and I say ‘Let’s do this,’” Gonzlez said. “God always provides. This has been a scary and fun ride, and I am so excited for the future of The Place of Grace and continuing to grow in what we can do to help restore the lives of women who suffer with addiction.”

    Franklin County district attorney Joey Rushing has also expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “I’m very excited to have been part of the groundbreaking for The Place of Grace,” Rushing said. “I’ve known Jocelynn for many years, and she truly has a heart for helping people overcome their addictions. She has personally assisted inmates from the Franklin County Jail many times at our request. She has helped get them to rehab programs, often driving them to and from and even assisting with their intake fees. Having a rehab facility for women in such close proximity to Franklin County is really going to make a positive impact for our area.”

    The Place of Grace has raised more than $138,000 toward the project; however, an additional $85,000 is needed. For more information about The Place of Grace, call 256-668-5390, visit the Facebook page, facebook.com/placeofgracecenter or the website, placeofgracecenter.com.

    Also on Franklin County Times
    “OLD GLORY”
    Franklin Living
    “OLD GLORY”
    Jeff Johnson 
    July 2, 2025
    Most of my life I have heard the flag of the United States of America affectionately called “Old Glory.” In my imagination I associated that phrase wi...
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    Main, News, Russellville
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    ELECTION
    Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE — Four of Franklin County’s cities or towns will have contested mayoral elections in the Aug. 26 municipal elections. The most hotly cont...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    Lifestyles, Russellville
    In the Community
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE Laughter, wonder and a touch of enchantment filled the Russellville Public Library as magician Russell Davis brought his show “The Magic ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    FFA students bring home state convention honors
    Franklin County, News, Phil Campbell, ...
    FFA students bring home state convention honors
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay and Phil Campbell FFA students, along with a Hackleburg member of the Franklin County Junior Cattlemen, earned state-level honors at Alabama’s...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}{"newsletter":"Newsletter"}
    Army’s future requires support, encouragement from community
    Columnists, Opinion
    Army’s future requires support, encouragement from community
    July 2, 2025
    “Thank you for your service,” are words I often hear while wearing my uniform in your community. I am grateful to hear those words, but what many peop...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    High School Sports, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Sports
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    Bart Moss For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    PHIL CAMPBELL -- A familiar face will be leading the Phil Campbell High School Lady Bobcats softball program next season. Darby Allison, a 2007 gradua...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    Franklin County, Sports
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) has signed 6 Franklin County students to its 2025–26 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Darby is denied parole
    News
    CRIME NEWS
    Darby is denied parole
    Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    MONTGOMERY -- A man serving a 10-year sentence on Franklin County assault convictions was denied parole on June 25, according to records from the Alab...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Latest Local News
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    RUSSELLVILLE — Four of Franklin County’s cities or towns will have contested mayoral elections in the Aug. 26 municipal elections.The most hotly conte...
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay Police can use electronic signatures
    RED BAY – Police can now use electronic signatures for their reports. City council members approved the policy after learning it was a requirement to ...
    July 2, 2025
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    RUSSELLVILLE Laughter, wonder and a touch of enchantment filled the Russellville Public Library as magician Russell Davis brought his show “The Magic ...
    July 2, 2025
    Rain delays repair projects
    RED BAY – Persistent rainfall has delayed drainage and road repair projects in the city. “You can’t dig when it’s mud,” Mayor Charlene Fancher said re...
    July 2, 2025
    Jars of drugs lead to a local trafficking arrest
    RUSSELLVILLE — A Russellville man is facing multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of drug trafficking after law enforcement located and ...
    July 2, 2025

    More Local News

    Latest Stories
    Jars of drugs lead to a local trafficking arrest
    RUSSELLVILLE — A Russellville man is facing multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of drug trafficking after law enforcement located and ...
    July 2, 2025
    Rain delays repair projects
    RED BAY – Persistent rainfall has delayed drainage and road repair projects in the city. “You can’t dig when it’s mud,” Mayor Charlene Fancher said re...
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay Police can use electronic signatures
    RED BAY – Police can now use electronic signatures for their reports. City council members approved the policy after learning it was a requirement to ...
    July 2, 2025
    Land Transactions
    May 30 • Tim Horton and Charles Moudy to Kimberly Shay Horton and Timothy Chad Horton, survivorship • Mario Cifuentes Tello to Edilsar Noe Edcobedo Ro...
    July 2, 2025
    Teenager struck by lighting
    RUSSELLVILLE -- A 19-year-old woman is recovering after being struck by lightning while talking on a cellphone Saturday. Emergency personnel responded...
    July 2, 2025
    Latest Sports
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    PHIL CAMPBELL -- A familiar face will be leading the Phil Campbell High School Lady Bobcats softball program next season. Darby Allison, a 2007 gradua...
    July 2, 2025
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) has signed 6 Franklin County students to its 2025–26 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)...
    July 2, 2025
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    RUSSELLVILLE -- A young generation of golfers teed off this summer at Twin Pines Country Club, thanks to a local effort to create opportunities for ch...
    July 2, 2025
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    BELGREEN -- Jemma Moore has been named to the AHSAA First Team All-State for softball, becoming just the ninth player in school history to earn the di...
    June 18, 2025
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    R U S S E L L V I L L E -- Teaching for Diane Maddox has never been just about grammar rules or reading comprehension, but rather about connection, cr...
    June 18, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Special Sections
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Special Sections
      • Sponsored Content

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Submit a Classified Ad
    • Letter to the Editor
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , Franklin County Times