First Celebrate Recovery program in South Monroe impacts community [Video]

MONROE La. (KNOE) – A local church is making an impact by starting the first Celebrate Recovery program in South Monroe.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christian-based recovery program that offers support for people facing addiction, trauma, and other life issues. People can share their experiences in small group meetings.

The program is funded by a grant through the Southside Economic Development District. The pastor of St.Matthews Church of Christ says this is the first African American recovery program in South Monroe.

” We’re saying it’s alright to suffer but you don’t have to stay here. We’re sitting and they’re planning with people in the community and saying we need to get the word out about what’s going on here,” says Pastor Quincy Gardner.

Gardner says they use a holistic approach and partner with a local counselor to offer attendees resources. He says they are now partnering with other churches in …