Page 112 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2025

THE PROOF
Redeemed & Restored STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
There are places where transformation feels inevitable—where prayer, patience, and persistence turn heartbreak into healing. For six decades, the Home of Grace has been more than a recovery program. It’s been a lifeline—a place where broken stories are rewritten,
where faith takes root, and where second chances become a way of life. Since 1965, the ministry has helped thousands find freedom from addiction and rediscover the hope that once felt lost.
Belle felt lost and devastated after the death of her daughter and with grief pushing her into addiction, she soon lost custody of her two boys. At the end of
her rope, she entered the 90-day program, where she found healing and learned to face her pain through faith. Belle gave her life to Christ and discovered a peace she thought she’d never feel again. Today, she celebrates her daughter’s memory with hope and works toward full custody of
her children.
story by Cherie Ward photos by Katherine Sowers
Austin’s story also began in brokenness. After years of addiction, he came to the Home of Grace ready to change but
not yet surrendered. During counseling, he finally faced the truth of his choices and gave his life to Christ. Now, years later, he works at the very place that redeemed him, helping others find the same freedom. “My story isn’t about my strength,” Austin said. “It’s about God’s relentless grace and power to transform a broken life.”
For Tallin, the Home of Grace became a place of restoration. “I came hopeless, broken, and defeated,” she said. “But every woman here gently loved me back together again.” Through faith and fellowship, she learned to set boundaries, love herself, and release shame. “I no longer carry guilt—my confidence is in God.”
Ross and Allie found more than recovery—they found a new life together. After battling addiction for years, they
entered the Home of Grace and chose
to stay for the extended program. That decision made all the difference. After graduation, Allie joined the kitchen staff and later became an intake facilitator. Today, she and Ross work side by side
in the Admissions Department, helping others begin the same journey. “Helping people get into the Home of Grace is so rewarding,” Allie said. “Because this place changed my life.”
Johnny once chased success and the American dream, only to lose himself to cocaine and Xanax addiction. He arrived at the Home of Grace and encountered Christ for the first time. That encounter changed everything. He returned to school, married, and now leads The Refinery Mission in Louisiana, helping other men rebuild their lives. “The recipe for transformation hasn’t changed,” Johnny said. “It’s still Christ—and Him alone.”
Sarah’s path was long and painful.
112 | December 2025
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