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Senator Blackburn Tours Future NETRRC Facility

Event- Yesterday, Senator Marsha Blackburn joined several regional mayors and commissioners in Roan Mountain to tour the future Northeast Tennessee Regional Residential Recovery Center.

This new facility will bring hope and recovery to residents. Instead of incarceration, they will engage in a long-term treatment program that addresses rehabilitation from substance use and a focus on mental health. In turn, healing can begin for both the individual and their families. Through recovery and reunification, residents can lead productive lives and contribute great things to our community. The ripple effect will be incalculable, and the NETRRC facility will be the foundation for hundreds of lives changed across East Tennessee.

Community and collectively working together are both the past and future of the center. Several Northeast Tennessee counties contributed funds from their “Baby Doe” opioid settlements to help start the center, and the NETRRC will be connected to local drug courts. The facility will also be governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from participating counties. Through this regional approach, nine counties/ municipalities will have the opportunity to have access to a rehabilitative facility with a full curriculum of care. #LoveRestores

Members of Families Free staff with Senator Marsha Blackburn
Senator Blackburn, local commissioners, judges, and members of the NETRRC team tour the facility
Families Free Executive Director and Senator Blackburn

We want to thank Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby, chair of the NETRRC board, for her commitment and hard work toward bringing this project to fruition and the support of Senator Blackburn and Governor Bill Lee’s administration.

MeredithSenator Blackburn Tours Future NETRRC Facility
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Song, Stories, Sunset – Families Free Annual Fundraiser

It’s been two weeks since our annual fundraiser, and we are still feeling the love and encouragement shown to us that evening. Those in attendance heard more about the community we serve and the work we’ve put into our programs that support families across the region. Our team sends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate another year of restoration.

We also want to extend a big thank you to everyone that gave their time, gifts, and donations – without you we could not have had such a beautiful evening. Because of the generosity of our community and sponsors, we will have $121,500 from pledges to give, stock, Givebutter, and website donations to put toward programming that supports the restoration of families in East Tennessee.

Thank you to Chateau Selah for hosting us, Divine Catering Company, and to our sponsors Ginseng Mobile BarSturgill OrthodonticsSturgill EndodonticsTruistUniversal Wine and Spirits, and West Towne Pharmacy.

We also want to thank Barry Bales, Jenee Fleenor, Jason Hoard, and Mary Meyer for providing beautiful music set against the gorgeous mountain backdrop. We were honored and humbled to have Judge Stacy Street and Maggie McNally share that through their work with adults and children, respectively, they have seen firsthand how Families Free has impacted the community for the better. #LoveRestores

*featured photos taken by Bill Rambo

MeredithSong, Stories, Sunset – Families Free Annual Fundraiser
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May Is Recovery Court Month

Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed May Recovery Court Month in Tennessee.

Families Free is honored to be part of the process of restoration for individuals, families, and communities in our region through the recovery court judges & teams spanning five counties in our Northeast region. It is a dynamic process with the spirit of collaboration to help change the cycles of trauma, oppression, and other maladaptive patterns driving substance abuse.

#LoveRestores

MeredithMay Is Recovery Court Month
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Families Free – Recipient Of 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care’s Giving Circle

We have wonderful news – Families Free has been selected 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care‘s giving circle recipient! Their mission is to empower women and nonprofits in our region by facilitating a significant impact through their Big Give event. Tri-Cities Women Who Care’s collective desire to give back to our community ensures that their member donations go to work immediately through our restorative programs and services. The Families Free team is so grateful to Tri-Cities Women Who Care’s support in helping us provide for those in need.

Watch our Executive Director Lisa Tipton chat with Adrienne Osborne, Non-Profit coordinator for 100 Tri-Cities Women Who Care and Host Lynda Fontaine on “A Closer Look.”

#LoveRestores

MeredithFamilies Free – Recipient Of 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care’s Giving Circle
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TN Hero Podcast Features Families Free

We were so thrilled to be featured on The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiative’s TN Hero Podcast! Listen to their latest episode to hear more about our restorative work in East Tennessee.

Follow this link or listen through Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

#LoveRestores

MeredithTN Hero Podcast Features Families Free
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God Is Never Burdened

Before and after the pandemic, many of us have experienced life-altering devastation. We wondered: how does life go on? How can there possibly be life after hurt and hard times?Even when winter seems to never end, spring will arrive. With Christ joy can be restored and a new season begins – if we let go of what’s not working and the parts of our life that we cannot repair on our own. God never feels burdened by our need for him. His love never runs out.“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10, NLT#LoveRestores

MeredithGod Is Never Burdened
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From The Heart Of Our Leadership

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16We were so happy to treat our staff and clients alike during this season of love with individualized gifts which included both hand-made goods from local retailers and gift cards. And while these gifts were given with love and gratitude, we wanted to also take the time to sit with different types of love and how it is the strongest force for restoration. Read more about how love plays a role in the life of some of our leadership team. #LoveRestores

*special thanks to Christy Torbett at Robin’s on Roan for the hot chocolate bombs!

MeredithFrom The Heart Of Our Leadership
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October Open House Events

Have you been wondering what day-to-day life is like at Families Free? We invite you to visit any one of our three offices around the region to learn more about our programs, individualized treatments, and the empowerment that takes place every day.

We have more in store for you in the coming week! Stay up to date on all the latest news by following us on Facebook and Instagram. #LoveRestores

MeredithOctober Open House Events
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Families Free Feature With Policy Research Associates

We believe that the clients we encounter and the people we serve matter, their children matter, their stories matter, and this is how you restore lives and families and communities.

Families Free is honored to be featured on Policy Research Associates, Inc.‘s website. You can learn more about the inspiration behind Families Free, and hear from our Executive Director Lisa Tipton and Clinical Director Robin Ledford by reading the full article here#LoveRestores

MeredithFamilies Free Feature With Policy Research Associates
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Thoughts On Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a beautiful time for many of us, and spending the day with family allows us to create memories we will cherish. However, Mother’s Day can also be a difficult time for those who are dealing with loss – which can come in many forms.

MeredithThoughts On Mother’s Day
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