ACTS TO OFFER EDUCATION, SUPPORT TO SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

PASCAGOULA -- Those who suffer from alcohol and substance abuse now have
another place they can turn for help.

City and county representatives attended a ribbon cutting ceremony and open
house Thursday for the newest location of the Alcohol Chemical Treatment
Series (ACTS), a rehabilitation program sponsored by First Pentecostal
Church in Pascagoula.

Joey and Donna Garner, admitted former substance abusers themselves,
instruct local ACTS classes. They have been clean for 10 years now, both
having turned their lives around through the ACTS program.

"A lot of people want someone who has been in the drug world, that can
actually relate to them," said Joey Garner, who is also ACTS director.

The new location offers a comfortable setting to others who may have
hesitated to attend meetings at First Pentecostal.

"It's a faith-based program and there is a little concern about church and
state separation," she said. "Churches are usually one of the last places
they want to go because they feel bad about themselves. They want to clean
up first, and then go to church."

The program received a $9,000 grant from Southeast Region of Volunteers of
America in November of 2003. Those funds have helped update the
instructor's teaching methods, adding a computer and projector for visual
reinforcement.

The Garners inform participants about the dangers of various drugs,
including heroin and Oxycontin, two drugs increasingly used throughout
Jackson County.

"They're not so much interested in the drug education," said Donna Garner.
"Most people say motivate me to quit using. Don't tell me it's bad for me.'"

ACTS can also benefit youth, who account for part of an estimated 19.5
million drug users, she said. HANDS, an anger management course, also will
be offered once the Garners receive their certification.

Kizzie Wells, a youth services counselor that attended the ceremony on
behalf of Jackson County Youth Court, hopes kids will take advantage of the
program.

"We need substance abuse programs for the kids. That's what we have lack of
here in Jackson County," she said. At least 50 percent of juvenile cases
involve drug abuse".

While many people are referred by the courts, anyone may attend a meeting,
contact the instructors or the church for help.

"This is where the umbilical cord gets cut," said the Rev. O.J. Ramsey,
pastor of First Pentecostal Church of Pascagoula. "They can learn, with the
help of Joey and Donna and various sponsors, to be able to cut that chord
and develop a new life through this program."

First Pentecostal Church of Vancleave will also offer ACTS soon.

The church will host a public awareness seminar at 10 a.m. Saturday to
highlight ACTS and HANDS. The Rev. Jerry Wallace, Mississippi ACTS
coordinator, will be on hand to answer questions.