There was a series of television commercials that featured sports figures and others who had just completed a win or accomplishment in which they were asked, “What’s next for you?” The answer was, “We’re going to Disney World!” Last week, with receipt of the approval letter from DCF, and after months of work toward the certification as a Faith-Based Exempt Substance Abuse Service Provider with the Florida Department of Children and Families completed, Titus 2 program manager Cathy Byrd took a few days off and traveled with three grandchildren to Disney World! It was a welcome break from work and deadlines.
Titus 2 Partnership has now begun the process of state certification with the Florida Association of Recovery Residences as a Level II (out of IV) provider, as well. The State of Florida passed regulatory legislation this past session to establish quality standards for substance abuse recovery programs. Titus 2’s staff and board are diligently working to establish the credibility and quality as a faith-based program that can stand up to any of its Level II residency care peers.
Also, as of July 31, Titus 2’s program manager was invited to participate in the Bay County Adult Protective Team, a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary group that meets monthly to address gaps or challenges in adult services in the 6 county area. Since Titus 2 serves victims of human trafficking and women exiting incarceration or sex trade industry, homeless pregnant women, as well as substance abuse recovery clients our broad base of service competency and contacts is viewed as an asset to the APT. Titus 2’s goal is to assure that a spiritual, holistic approach to various issues in women’s lives is represented and addressed in community planning and care. Titus 2 has already identified some ways in which local churches can be involved in volunteer roles with adult care needs in our community.
The T2P volunteer and staff team has also been active in support for the development of a Foster Care Support Ministry at Lynn Haven UMC, assisting in developing interest in pulling together representation from several agencies who serve foster families in one way or another. Many of the Titus 2 ladies have children in family of state dependency care during their residential recovery. Lynn Haven UMC has held several Foster Parents’ “Night Out” events, providing childcare. LHUMC has also hosted a Foster Parent Appreciation Day with activities and childcare for infants through teens. The Foster Care Support Ministry team has recruited new foster care and foster respite care families. Titus 2 staff, volunteers, and students are active in this effort.
Titus 2 staff also assist in an area Single Parent Ministry by presenting some of the training sessions for single parents in the community. Titus 2 students attend the Single Parent Ministry training during their recovery program.
There are a number of opportunities for churches, families, or individuals to plug into some of these activities. If you or your group want more information, please call Cathy Byrd at 832-4052.