east tennessee | Page 3 | Families Free

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

March 21, 2021 Meredith Uncategorized

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!

February 14, 2021 Meredith Uncategorized

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

October 22, 2020 Meredith Uncategorized

Making Memories At Doe River Gorge

This past weekend, Families Free clients and their children enjoyed a day of fun at Doe River Gorge. Residents from the Storie House, Family Service Grant participants, and their children represented eighteen families that had the opportunity to join members of our staff in experiencing the camp’s Day Quest activities.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cherokee National Forest, the day was filled with swimming, taking turns on the zipline, and additional water activities in the Recreation Lake, as well as treats from the Sidetrack Café and train rides across the grounds. As a group, we then joined together for a shared meal at The Depot.

“The wind through our hair as we rode past the trees.”

“Our first time in the water all summer.”

“Laughing around the table during our meal.”

These are the lasting memories made that day at Doe River Gorge.

Now more than ever, events like this not only foster healthy family living skills, they also provide a cherished opportunity for clients and their loved ones to relax and enjoy time spent together. #LoveRestores

July 24, 2020 Meredith News

Celebrating Our Recovery Court Graduates

Often it’s the deepest pain which empowers you to grow into your highest self. – Karen Salmansohn

There are a great many things that seem uncertain. That’s why Families Free believes that now more than ever we need to highlight the good and champion positive outcomes. We want to celebrate the graduation of Danny, TK, and Nena from the First Judicial District Felony Recovery Court program.

On Wednesday, March 4th, our graduates were honored by members of the Families Free and First Judicial District Felony Recovery Court teams, as family, friends, and current program participants gathered together to congratulate them on their hard work and achievements.

Graduates Danny Hawks, Nena Thrift, and Torry “TK” Kelly

We want to thank Keynote Speaker Tim Hicks, Judge Lisa Rice, and Judge Stacy Street for speaking during the graduation ceremony. We also want to thank the other members of the FJDFRC team, which include additional recovery agencies, judges, law enforcement members, district attorneys, and public defenders who work to ensure the success of the participants. We are excited to see how Danny, TK, and Nena continue to make strides in their recovery and bring about positive change within their own families and our community as a whole. #LoveRestores

The First Judicial Recovery Court program is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

March 23, 2020 Meredith Success Stories

2019 At A Glance …

One year can make such a difference, and 2019 has been no exception. We feel so blessed to see the difference and impact this year has made in the lives of those we serve, as we have walked alongside so many women, children, and families throughout the different programs offered by Families Free.

August 14, 2019 Meredith News, Success Stories

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.

May 11, 2019 Meredith Success Stories, Uncategorized

How Can a Seed Die and Still Become a Plant?

The seed, which contains the fullest potential of life, ceases to be a seed so that the plant inside may live. Essentially, its original form has died, and the seed becomes something new. A similar question can be asked – like the seed, how can you die unto yourself and live anew?

April 19, 2019 Meredith Success Stories

The Storie House

At The Storie House, lives will be changed …
The Storie House serves to create an environment where love can restore. Our vision for the home is that it will provide every woman the opportunity to achieve the fresh start she desires.
The Storie House is a private residence that can support and nurture five women from our program and up to four children, as well as provide a safe, sober place to live and integrate new life skills. This new addition will be overseen by Judy Clark, our Director of Women’s Services.
The home’s namesake comes from our Board Member Nancy Storie and is inspired by her generosity and dedication to the women in our program.

April 16, 2019 Meredith News

Gov. Lee Signs Executive Order to Increase Access To Recovery Courts

“Public safety extends beyond party lines and has the best interest of every Tennessean in mind,” said Gov. Bill Lee.

According to The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), Governor Bill Lee’s FY20 budget proposal includes $4.7 million to increase access to recovery courts, supplement recovery court programming with Medication Assisted Treatment, and create a new residential recovery court for women. With $1.7 million in additional funding, recovery courts will expand capacity by 20 percent and serve an additional 500 Tennesseans each year.

March 15, 2019 Meredith News, Success Stories

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