Dyersburg – Transitions of Dyer County, will host a June 4 afternoon community event called CELEBRATE! 2007-2022 to commemorate its 15-year anniversary of serving women with life-controlling issues and providing an alternative with life-changing results.
More than 270 women, including several from Crockett County, have been positively influenced by the mission. Transitions is celebrating not only their achievements, but also the support system from the community which has provided mentoring, jobs, and financial contributions.
Transitions of Dyer County is located at 250 Youth Home Road in Dyersburg.
Plans for the event include a barbecue tasting provided by local providers Piggin’ Out, Neil’s, Roy Boy’s, Bad Bob’s, BBQ Hut, Southern Comfort BBQ, and Hog Heaven. There will also be corn dogs and slushes from Sonic, games for the children, a petting zoo, face painting, bubble machine fun, a treasure chest, music by the Randall Butler Band, and a dove release at the end, according to Linda Flowers, the ministry’s Affairs Coordinator.
The doves release will represent the many changed lives and symbolize hope for the future of the ministry.
Transitions provides a residential program designed to address the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of each person. The program’s focus centers on elements of healing. Transitions provides housing for up to 12 residents at any given time, applying its four-stage program for nine months as the residents acclimate to the changes, learn Christian living principles, gain confidence by volunteering in the community, and then enter the work force during a three-month after-care stage.
Any woman over 18 years old with a life-controlling issue such as alcohol or drug addiction, anger, or depression, and who desires a life change, can apply.
One recent program graduate said, “Because of Transitions, I am able to help others and grow in my relationship with God. “I was able to reconcile my relationship with my family and recognize without Transitions, I would have had no hope.” This wife and mother of three now serves in the children’s ministry of her church.
“We also want to celebrate the contributions that so many in the community have provided over the last 15 years,” explains Rose Clardy, Executive Director. “Volunteers who have taught classes on moral Biblical principles, spiritual growth, personal finance, nutrition meal planning and preparation, parenting, health and wellness, housekeeping management, and basic education, have been invaluable.”
The network of support also includes community helpers who drive the residents to jobs and other appointments, who teach Bible study classes, and who provide employment assistance and job-seeking training, according to Heather Wallace, Assistant Resident Director.
“We rejoice for the transformations in so many lives over the past 15 years and are confident that the future of Transitions continues to offer love, grace, and mercy to those in need,” said Angel Dycus, Resident Director. “We hope the community will join us in this celebration.”