Vickie O.

A relative was court ordered to the Lifechangers program. Through a court order, I was told to transport him from the jail to this facility. I was told by their attorney to stop at Walgreens to pick up a prescription for the relative on the way to the Lifechangers facility. That the prescription was called in by the county jail nurse. Also to let them know, because this was a mental health prescription - which was a large dosage that had been prescribed for 8 mo by the doctor at the county jail. And they needed to go to a mental health facility for counseling because of the type of prescription. Once we arrived, and the "counselors" that were in charge were provided this information, they immediately refused! Said he could not take this prescription, that he would "rely on God". He was going to have to stop cold turkey! This is all well and good, and God does do miracles. However, God has also given men knowledge to make medicine for needed medical issues. NOTE: this prescription was prescribed and ordered by the county jail medical providers and this relative was ORDERED by the DISTRICT ATTORNEY to this specific Lifechangers facility. This was NOT a street drug or something that this relative was addicted to, but what the county jail providers demanded that he take and had been taking under their supervision. NOT something he could just quit cold turkey and pray about! Some of the side effects are seizures, convulsions, and stroke. This relative had been approved to go to a different rehab facility, but the DISTRICT ATTORNEY refused and denied this rehab facility and would only approve LIFECHANGERS! Is the District Attorney - a State employee and Lifechangers - supposed a non profit, Christian organization - working together? When I was adamant, trying to explain that this prescription was court ordered, the "staff" still refused. Even called the police to try and force me to leave! I briefly spoke with the officers and and explained. They agreed with me, and asked if my relative wanted to stay? The relative said they would stay until their lawyer could work out the kinks. But was concerned about the issues of stopping the prescription cold turkey. The police officers left, and I remained! I was not being unreasonable! The next morning the Assistant Director - Chad - personally called me and apologized. He also asked for a big list of personal items for the relative, bedding, and a back pack for traveling! When I questioned this, and asked to see the relative, Chad informed me that I was not immediate family and would not be allowed to communicate, visit or have any further contact with the relative for the duration of their time there, which was one year! The next day, this same Assistant Director - Chad - contacted me AGAIN (remember, I am not immediate family) for more personal items for the relative! Including a Walmart gift card for other items! I did take some personal items and some bedding that same afternoon for the relative at the Lifechangers facility, and ALL of the members of this facility were loading into cars and vans for an extensive journey to "spread the word" and "to sell t-shirts and etc in Mississippi". REALLY!
This court ordered relative who had only been released from a county jail facility less than 24 hours, and court ordered to the Lifechangers facility, and was denied any contact with me because I am not an immediate family member, was demanded by the Lifechangers staff to go with the other young men across State lines for this mission! If he was not compliant, he would be forced to leave, which puts him in jeopardy and will be forced back into the county jail facility! This relative also has very young children that I have legal custody of. The Assistant Director - Chad - told me that I could "drop them off for visitation", and they "have three staff members who would supervise the visit with the children". Wait! What? Who does that?! WHY would I ever do that?! NO WAY would this EVER happen! (could their possibly be a child pedophile in their too?)... Does this Chad want to take this responsibility? WHY would he even suggest that? The privilege of MY precious grandchildren, who innocently want to see their parent, is being denied. They are the immediate family, and are minors. I am their FULL and LEGAL GUARDIAN and because I am not an "immediate" family member they cannot visit because they said so. What are they afraid that someone will see or hear? So, is it in the best interest of the persons in the rehab that they are thinking of? No.
Where is the division between Church and State? How can the Assistant District Attorney order this relative to this Christian facility, that withholds their prescription medication and counseling without any supervision of any medical personnel? And expect to "pray it out". Its not just a matter of faith! Its also a matter of being denied reasonable healthcare of these men and women by a medical provider! WHO is taking care of their medical needs too? This is a rehab, after all! To help them get past any addiction in a proper and safe manner. Everyone knows that they need help during their withdrawals. Prayer, is GREAT! But, they need someone with the brain God gave them to help them too! Not someone forcing them to solely pray it out! They need proper guidance, along with prayer and faith to get past their addictions. Allow them to see their family and friends in a "supervised" manner, so all involved can have the peace of mind and work together so that they can make it through this difficult part of their lives. Not add to their struggles! Do we put our hand in a barrel of snakes, and if we get bit, become sick and/or die, was it is because we did not have faith? No. It's a matter of using the brain that GOD provided for us.
Are their needs really being met in the proper manner? I am sure they will respond to this - or have someone to respond - and say yes. But, from my observations, NO! They are a group of people, under the pretense of being a Christian, and using their "power" on desperate and addicted people. This might work for some people, but they are way to harsh and needy.
I can go on and on, but I would not recommend this facility.