Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Gene Garcia, Outreach Director for Heartland Adult & Teen Challenge Murfreesboro, who discusses the organization’s mission and plans for expansion in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Gene shares his personal journey from opioid addiction to recovery through Adult & Teen Challenge, which led to his current role helping operate multiple locations including Memphis, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro. The discussion focuses on their plans to establish a residential facility in Murfreesboro, requiring at least 3,000 square feet with spaces for a chapel, cafeteria, kitchen, offices, bedrooms, and recreational areas. Gene explains their holistic approach to addiction recovery, which includes biblical counseling, life skills training, and practical exit planning, emphasizing that residents must genuinely want help rather than being forced into the program. The interview concludes with information about how community members can support their efforts through donations, building contributions, or by connecting them with potential program participants.
Summary
Heartland Adult & Teen Challenge –Â Gene Garcia, Outreach Director for Heartland Adult & Teen Challenge, provides an overview of the program, explaining that it began in Memphis over 50 years ago and offers residential recovery support for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. The program includes biblical principles, counseling, and job preparation, with a focus on helping participants succeed after graduation.
Opioid Recovery and Ministry Outreach –Â Gene shares his personal journey from opioid addiction to recovery through faith, describing how he overcame addiction and found purpose through prayer and Adult & Teen Challenge. He explains his current role as an ordained minister and outreach director, helping open multiple Adult & Teen Challenge locations including Clarksville and Murfreesboro.
Residential Building for Addiction Program –Â Gene discusses the need for a residential building in Rutherford County to support their program, emphasizing its importance for providing a space for community, accountability, and a holistic approach to overcoming addiction. He outlines specific requirements for the building, including a chapel, cafeteria, kitchen, office spaces, bedrooms, and recreational areas. He highlights the significance of the residential facility in achieving the program’s mission, particularly in integrating faith and addressing addiction through a comprehensive approach.
Residential Addiction Recovery Program Discussion –Â Gene discusses how the residential facility program helps men overcome addiction through spiritual transformation and practical life skills. The program emphasizes becoming “doers of the Word” rather than just “hearers,” incorporating biblical principles with coping mechanisms, including chapel services, classes, and real-world experiences like working at car washes and thrift shops. Gene notes how the program teaches participants to process emotions healthily, manage grief, and develop a support network through faith, while building community.
Community Connection Support Process –Â Gene discusses the process of building community connections and supporting individuals in need of help. He explains how they collaborate with local ministries, such as one in Murfreesboro that assists the homeless. Gene shares that they typically work with people who are genuinely ready for help rather than those who are coerced, emphasizing that prayer and planting seeds can be effective approaches when someone isn’t ready.
To learn more and connect with Adult & Teen Challenge visit their website ATCTN.org and or call Gene at 615-624-7878.
