Mission Makers
For more than 30 years, Turning Point has helped men battling Substance Abuse Disorder break free from the bondage of addiction. Their mission is “to provide men with substance use disorder an opportunity to discover a new life in recovery through proven evidence-based programs with a Christ-centered emphasis.” Helping men find freedom from addiction is close to Turning Point’s Executive Director, Brian Stockard’s heart because this month, he will celebrate 11 years sober. “When I got sober, I got really involved in the recovery community in Birmingham,” Stockard shares adding that he quickly realized this was his mission field. As his passion for helping others grew, God led him to Turning Point in 2018.
Located in Thorsby, Ala., Turning Point’s facility houses up to 28 men at one time. “We are very intentional with what we do with the guys,” Stockard explains, adding, “We want them to experience what God’s grace and mercy feels like and just love them as much as possible.” The Turning Point program is a 90-day Christ-centered immersive 12-step experience. It includes recovery-based classes, Bible studies, life skills coaching, writing and reflection work, and mentorship. The staff at Turning Point are very hands-on with the residents going through the program. As a team, they strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Stockard explains. He adds that all the staff members have personally found freedom from addiction, and he believes this gives them credibility with the men since they have walked the same road. “The biggest blessing is watching these guys become exactly who God wants them to be and grow into being a husband, father, or son again,” Stockard says.
There are many ways to support Turning Point including sponsoring a resident. “What has made the biggest impact is the Watchmen,” Stockard reflects. Shortly after he joined the Turning Point team, he created this program based on Isaiah 62:6 to have the prayer requests of the men prayed over by others while honoring their anonymity. Stockard explains that each bed at Turning Point has a name plate with a Biblical name on it and the men turn prayer requests in each week under that name. These prayer requests are then emailed to the Watchmen. “To me, that has made the biggest impact,” Stockard says. To learn more about Turning Point, visit www.turningpointal.org. †
