Elizabeth Clark “E.C.” Simmons began having seizures and life-threatening allergic reactions toward the end of her 10-year love affair with alcohol and Xanax.
She checked herself into a faith-based addiction recovery center in Mobile, completed the hard work and became sober. Simmons returned to her former life in Mississippi, but with the clarity of sobriety, she could not continue the emotionally abusive relationship that would have taken her in a direction she didn’t want to go.
“I had to get out of that situation so I left behind my home, my job and my vehicle,” said Simmons. “I didn’t have a penny.”
Simmons’ connections at the addiction recovery center led her to reach out to PASCO (Physical and Spiritual Christian Outreach), a Christ-centered transitional living ministry with a home for women in Semmes and a men’s facility located in West Mobile that has helped hundreds of men and women in crisis gain personal freedom, purpose and self-worth and, most importantly, a relationship with Christ.
Transitional ministry
PASCO originally opened as a men’s transitional home in 2008, but the ministry began serving women in a separate facility in 2016. The new women’s home with dormitory-style living housing approximately 20 women opened in May 2018 in a renovated church. Fewer women are currently housed at PASCO than capacity because they are lacking adequate transportation, a vital piece of the ministry that would allow them to accommodate more.
But fortunately a “village” of local churches and businesses interact weekly with PASCO clients, volunteering the gift of spiritual training, mentoring and meals.
Moffett Road Baptist, West Mobile Baptist, Dayspring Baptist, Cottage Hill Baptist, Mobile Calvary Chapel, Redemption Church, Theodore Church of God and Luke 4:18 Fellowship are a few of the churches in the Mobile metro area regularly pouring into PASCO clients.
Generous donations from local restaurants including Goldfingers, Briquettes, Dominoes and Meat Boss make certain no one ever goes hungry.
Led by the Spirit
Clients admit themselves, as Simmons did, or are court ordered into PASCO. Tasha Ridley, director of operations at the women’s home, prayerfully considers each request to enter the women’s program.
“The Holy Spirit led me to take E.C. into our program,” said Ridley. “She was in a toxic relationship and I knew her sobriety was in jeopardy if she stayed with him.”
The investment in clients’ success requires each woman dedicate herself wholeheartedly to PASCO standards for achievement.
“Unless they are willing to make a strong commitment of at least nine months to the program they won’t succeed,” said Martha Maddox, vice president of the PASCO board of directors and a longtime volunteer. “They must also actively look for a job and pay back living expenses once they’re employed.”
Clients are expected to attend church and Bible studies, be accountable to mentors and house rules and take responsibility for their living spaces. This formula has worked for PASCO clients since Phillip Stanford began his ministry to men 11 years ago.
Stanford, a member of Moffett Road Baptist, experienced his own deliverance from addiction. His recovery laid the foundation for PASCO.
“Our success rates are great if the client truly surrenders to God and continues to work with the tools they are given,” said Ridley, who walked a road similar to her clients’ before beginning to work at PASCO. “They will all do well if they connect with a church, volunteer their time and befriend godly women.”
Simmons graduated from PASCO in June having met all the requirements to successfully transition into a productive, healthy and Christ-committed lifestyle.
“E.C. has grown tremendously since she came to PASCO,” said Ridley. “She never went back to toxic relationships, worked on her fears, has a stable job and a vehicle and helps new clients adjust to the program and rules. She also meets with her mentor and goes to prayer meeting and counseling. I know she will succeed if she continues to let God lead her in all areas of her life.”
‘I’m worthy’
Simmons recognizes the value and blessing of having Christ in her life. She says everything she lost God has restored — and more. Never more emotionally healthy than she is today, she credits the many resources she has been given access to at PASCO.
“You can find the freedom you need. I’ve learned to love myself and believe I’m worthy in God’s eyes,” she said. “But you can’t stay sober without Jesus.”
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