Do you believe in Miracles

[John(videodoc)]

Back in 2002-2003 while running an addictions treatment group in our local county jail, as i still do today. I had an extrodainary group of men, that gealed. They came together as a group of people wanting to make a difference. In this group of men, one is now a counselor at the other treatment center in town and pursuing a master degree, while the rest organized a group called the Freebirds once they got out. They had a self help meeting in the jail they called the jail birds group. So you can see the humor in the name. They organized this all by themselves.

here is their site
http://freebirdsrecovery.org/

They are always looking for words of encouragment from the outside. They are having their 5th yr celebration next week, that includes a taped message from the entire band Lynard Skynard themselves since they are named after the song.

I just think its kinda neat to see a success every once in awhile. Just like the phoenix, they have risen from the ashes. It was funny the courts and probation didnt want anything to do with them for the first two years, and now they are keeping them full, in order to relieve the overcrowding jail system.

I just wanted to share something good with my friends, there is so much bad out there now a days.

John

ps If you are able, they are also looking for people to sponsor (donate) rent for a resident. As some of the residents do not have a job, just coming out of jails, prisons or a residential treatment center (mine). Residents have to pay $95 a week, thats for room and 1 hot and 2 cold meals a day. Just give them a call and they will add you to their mailing list, and they will send you the quarterly newsletter detailing their successes and their changes. The donations are strictly monitored and given to those that are most in need and deserving by the board. One of the board members is the Chief proscetuting attorney for our county. So they got a lot of respect over the past 5 years. All from a simple plan started in a jail cell by a bunch of felons. WOW. If you want you can paypal me and i will drop off for you and scan you a receipt, whatever is easiest for you. They have a federal tax ID so it is tax deductible. NON Profit

[RaymondDurban]

John, congrats to you for taking the time to make a difference in your neighborhood. I am a firm believer that no matter what the local issue, be it alcohol abuse, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy or others, the first step should always be for the citizens to take the steps necessary to provide for a better community from within itself. My hats off to you.
It is refreshing to see that this kind of spirit is still live and well in this great country of ours. Thanks for sharing!

[Mr E]

John. Hats off to you, pal.

[Hengy]

This is a nice "good news" story, John! Nice to see these guys trying to make a go of it with this kind of thing...

Mike in La Crosse, WI

[redfin]

Congrats John , you obviously had a positive impact on some of these men. I hope they continue on the path to self developement and continue to be a productive part of the community.

Jim

[VinceD]

John, I'm sure you had a strong positive influence on the formation of this group. My hat is off to you.

My hat is also off to the members of the group for turning their lives around and helping others to do the same.

Congratulations to you all. Keep up the good work.