F.O.R.C.E. stands for "Friends Of Recovery for Community Empowerment Support for Recovery from Addiction."

Psalm 94:19:  "When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul."This is one of our verses for Faith in Action this month and it was evident in Coweta FORCE.  As I toured their facility this week and learned more about their programs, I was reminded that God has plans greater than we can imagine and that He works miracles through those even in the most difficult of times. Coweta FORCE  exists to provide recovery support services in the community for individuals and community members impacted by addiction.The 3 ways they do this as a Recovery Community Organization are:

Direct peer services

● No cost support opportunities for anyone seeking recovery or family members impacted by addiction.

● 24 support groups weekly, some with childcare provided

● 1:1 peer coaching with a certified peer specialist

● Open 9-5 M-F for a recovery friendly safe atmosphere

● Educational & employment opportunities

● 4 hours of weekly outreach in the Coweta County Jail

● Parent Elected Peer Advocate Program - working directly with parents with substance use challenges in partnership with Coweta Juvenile Court & DFCS Education and Training

● Provide public education on recovery from addiction

● No cost Naloxone training, distribution, and other harm reduction methods to empower community members toward solution-focused action

● Recent data and statistics on addiction and recovery

● We provide these opportunities to schools, faith communities, civic organizations, employers and more Advocacy

● Being a positive face and voice for recovery

● Engaging elected officials for better policy and funding that addresses substance use as a medical challenge with solution-focused outcomes

● Stigma reduction/elimination using our lived-experience and personal stories of recovery to show that recovery is real and we do get and stay well with the support available in our community.

This week on behalf of our congregation, I had the honor of presenting them with a check for over a $1000 as well as gift cards to Amazon and Office Depot and numerous office supplies. Hank Arnold, Director of Coweta FORCE, and his staff had this to say, "We’re so appreciative, as your neighbor, for the kindness and generosity of Newnan Presbyterian Church. It’s partnerships like these that allow us to do the valuable work we do every day here at Coweta FORCE. The office supplies, gift cards, and donations are a bonus for us.The real value is your ongoing love, support, and prayers for the mission of the organization and the community we have the privilege of serving. 

Thank you all so much and we look forward to our ongoing relationship" 

Visit their website here.