CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT WOMEN FIND PLACE TO HEAL AT AGAPE INC.

On a wraparound porch, two women sat quietly talking about their schedules.
At a neighboring Victorian home, another woman sat perched on the porch
railing watching a kitten chase a moth.

"A lot of healing has happened on these porches," said Cheryl Burris, 34.

Welcome to Agape. For 32 years, East Tennessee women have relied upon Agape
Inc. as they took steps away from substance abuse. Agape is a place for
women recovering from drug and alcohol addictions.

Combining spirituality, accountability and community, women reside in
home-like settings as they progress from one level to the next in the
recovery program. The average length of stay is six months. Living in three
homes that can accommodate 24 women, the clients are assisted by an
aroundthe-clock staff, licensed substance abuse counselors and client
service personnel.

Maintaining 72 hours of continuous sobriety before admission is required.
Also, the women must demonstrate a commitment to recovery and a desire to
change their lifestyles.

"I had enough; I forgot how to live without the use of drugs," Burris said
of her state of mind before enrolling in the program, "and I knew they
could give me the structure, support and guidance so I can do what I need
to do to get better. When you come here, you have such low self-esteem. And
they love you until you can love yourself again."

Agape Inc. operates under the auspices of a volunteer board of directors
from the region and receives funding from state and local sources and the
United Way.

"A group of women in 1969 saw a need for a halfway house for women," said
Sheila Pellasma, assistant to the executive director, Debra Rogers, of the
voluntary, all-women therapeutic community. "In 1978, it became a United
Way agency, which represents recognition that Knoxvillians see chemical
dependency as a serious, treatable disease and Knoxvillians are willing to
be part of the solution."

This year's United Way of Greater Knoxville campaign goal is $10.5 million.
Goody's CEO Bob Goodfriend chairs the campaign. Less than 10 percent of the
monies raised are used for year-round administration and campaign costs.

United Way supports 49 member agencies and more than 140 health and human
service programs.

More than 200 community volunteers, who select the recipients of the
community-wide campaign, monitor their operating costs and the quality of
their services.

Walking on the grounds at Agape in Knoxville, Pellasma said softly that it
would be a great loss to the community if the facility were to close. "We
help women build themselves up again," Pellasma said.

The Agape experience includes Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
principles.

In addition to financial support, the community's needs include women's
clothing, toys, books for and about women and women's issues, umbrellas and
gloves. There is also a need for volunteers who may offer computer training
and volunteers to help repair construction and plumbing problems at the
three homes.

For information, call 525-1661.