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Rural Georgia’s Bridges of Hope leads addicts to a new life

Written By: Team CMC

Men and women break the cycle of addiction with a program focused on developing foundational life skills and giving back to the community

Patrick Anderson understands firsthand the destructive nature of addiction ─ and that giving back to others can change many lives.

While an addict, Patrick landed in and out of jail for 10 years. Bridges of Hope's residential addiction recovery center offered him a way out. Patrick is one of thousands of people helped by Bridges of Hope since it opened in 1987.

After graduating from the six-month program, Patrick began working at the Homerville facility, bringing his personal experience and hope to help others.

"Everyone who works at Bridges of Hope has been through the program," said Patrick, Assistant Manager of the Homerville location. "We help each other break the cycle of addiction, one alcoholic and one addict at a time."

Bridges of Hope offers drug and alcohol recovery based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and its 12-step process. It operates five Georgia facilities located in Alamo, Chauncey, Homerville, Morven, and Louisville. Each location houses about 40 residents for a six-month stay, four locations for men and one for women.

Most programs paid for by insurance are only 28 days long and cost thousands of dollars. Residents at Bridges of Hope pay $900 a month, and many are offered scholarships funded through charitable donations.

During a six-month stay, residents build foundational life skills key to rebuilding their lives once they leave the program. Following a strict schedule, the residents participate in devotionals, meetings, workshops, work programs and community-based volunteer programs.

After 30 days, residents are eligible to work outside of the facility. Employers, many who have been through the program themselves, follow strict rules and guidelines laid out for the residents. The program also requires residents to complete 240 hours of community service during their stay, and many help at Jesus and Jam, a ministry that prepares meals for people in the community.

"Homerville is small, but the community is invested in Bridges of Hope and its residents," said Patrick. "The community is so welcoming and supportive, when the residents give back, it gives them a priceless feeling of self-worth."

Learn more about Bridges of Hope at http://bridgesofhope.org.

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About Cingo: The name Cingo means to surround and secure, conveying the company's commitment to home protection. The company has been protecting families in the Southeast since 1974. It provides home protection services throughout Georgia and South Carolina, including Atlanta, Augusta, Charleston, Douglas, Dublin, Milledgeville, Savannah, Vidalia, Waycross and all points in between. Cingo was named a Best Place to Work in Georgia by Georgia Trend Magazine and listed as a National Best & Brightest Company to Work For. Learn more at www.cingohome.com.