Betsy Rea

Amanda Deitz (left) and Maria Beaver

April 7, 2009

Putnam Rotarians were inspired today by testimonies of rebirth and new life through the "loving family" of the REA of Hope Fellowship Home.

While the Kanawha Valley has had a drug and alcohol recovery home for men for some thirty years, there had been no haven available to women in need of assistance.

But that would change in 2003. A house was purchased that summer and two years later it and opened its doors.

Now in its fourth year of operation, the Home has aided in the recovery of thirty-two women.

"How do we measure success?" asked Marie Beaver, Executive Director at Rea. "You must have completed a treatment program. You must have a fulltime job or be going to school fulltime. If on disability, you must do at least thirty hours per week of community service. You must complete six months of residence

"There are random drug screens and zero tolerance," she said. "If drugs are used one time, you must leave Rea that same day."

Many women have multiple issues when they come to Rea, said Beaver. "We try to remove any barriers," she explained.

"If they need a uniform, we buy them a uniform. If they need clothing, we buy them clothing. Transportation? We provide transportation to the doctor and dentist. We go to court with them.

"One of the most important things is that we set an example for them."

When women leave Rea, there are quarterly followups. "Are they maintaining their abstinence from drugs? Are they attending self-help meetings? Are they maintaining employment? Are they living in a safe place?"

Women are not allowed to have their children with them at Rea. "We saw a need for long-term housing and we purchased an apartment building nearby for graduates of the program and their minor children."

Last Christmas, seven women lived in the apartments with four children and there were four women at Rea.

The Rea of Hope Fellowship Home was named in memory of Betsy Fletcher Rea, the sister of Putnam's Sally Holliday who authored a book on Betsy's battles to overcome polio and alcohol addiction.

Amanda Deitz, a program assistant at Rea of Hope, also spoke to the group today.

Both women are able to counsel others from their own tragic experiences.

Said Deitz, "I became addicted to painkillers at age 24. CPS took my children from me. I was morally and spiritually bankrupt.

"I truly believe that [Rea] saved my life. They pushed me, and they brought me back to life again.

"They pushed me to get a job. And even when it was hard to go out there and fill out an application when you don't have any references for the past three years, they kept pushing me every day.

"I got a job serving tables. I didn't really like my job, but I started to pay my own rent. And I started to pay child support to the state.

"And little by little things started to fall into place. I began to see my children more and more and was becoming a member of society.

"It's unbelievable how good it feels to be with people who know exactly where you are coming from," said Deitz. "When you give up, they never give up on you. It's a family that I've grown to love.

"If you keep doing the next right thing, doors continue to open, and they've opened more than I ever imagined."

Both Charleston and Vandalia Rotary Clubs contribute to support for the Rea of Hope Fellowship Home. "They come over and paint, and they give cash to the homel" said Beaver.