Leaders and supporters of Beating Hearts Ministries celebrate the organization’s designation as a Certified Recovery Community Partner. Pictured (from left) are Melesa Lassiter, Overdose Prevention Specialist; Carol Kurz, Advocate; Beth Bailey, Advocate; Felicia Patterson, Assistant Director; Kathy Ham, Director; Al Bailey, Advocate; and Chris Smith, Faith-Based Coordinator. Photo by Jesse Joseph
Beating Hearts Ministries in McKenzie was officially recognized as a Certified Recovery Community Partner by the Lifeline Peer Project’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives on Thursday, June 5.
Faith-Based Coordinator Chris Smith presented the recognition on behalf of the initiative, which equips churches and faith organizations to serve as trusted spaces for those seeking addiction recovery.
The certification process included training in overdose prevention, suicide awareness, and adverse childhood experiences.
Director Kathy Ham and Assistant Director Felicia Patterson accepted the recognition on behalf of Beating Hearts.
“We’ve worked with clients for a long time, and just to get the certification and be recognized is a blessing,” said Ham.
Smith explained that the certification is about honoring the work already being done.
“Scripture says, ‘Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth.’” Smith said. “When we see people doing the work, we want to come alongside and recognize them for it.”
With the designation, Beating Hearts joins a growing number of congregations across Tennessee offering faith-based recovery solutions.
