These 10 ladies represent Milestone Recovery Ministries as employees of the organization’s Bargain Store on Hwy. 31 in Hartselle. Pictured, from left, are: (front row) Tina Jones, Amy Pike, Miranda Ashley, Veronica Wise, Melissa Jones and Ila Molden; (back row) Tammy Pearce, Anna Holcomb, Anissa Klocek and Tammy Van Tassel. | Clif Knight

Milestones Recovery Ministries, a Christ-centered program aimed at helping women recover from the pain of drug and alcohol addition and abuse, has come a long way in its three years of operation in Hartselle.

The non-profit organization is operating two businesses and raising funds to purchase a 27-bed residence in Somerville, which is now being rented.

Milestones owns and operates Dixie’s Café in Downtown Hartselle and the Bargain Center on Hwy. 31, south, next to Advance Auto Parts.

Graduates and recovering residents operate both businesses, with profits being earmarked to help meet the program’s expenses.

Once residents complete a 12-18 month recovery program, they are encouraged to seek full-time employment and pursue a Christ-centered life.

After completing the first two steps of a four-step program, they become eligible to seek part-time employment.

All of the 25 ladies enrolled in the program work for room and board, in addition to attending classes on a daily basis. Some who have graduated are now paid employees of Milestones.

Vanna Link, the first graduate, is program assistant, under the founder and executive director, Kim Upton. Staci Collette, a January 2013 graduate, fills the role of office administrator.

“The program changed my life,” Collette said. “It led me to my relationship with God and to my husband, a gift from God.”

Milestones is now raising funds to purchase the Lydia House, its residence, which is capable of accommodating 27 ladies. The residence also provides space for Recovery Church, which holds services on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 10 a.m., Upton serves as pastor.

“One of the things we could use is more volunteers and mentors,” said Link. “The only requirement is that she be a godly woman and be able to donate one and one-half hours a day.”

“Another thing we ask for is prayer,” said volunteer Eric Smith. “I experienced a drug problem and God has blessed me by leading me here to help others.”

Milestones is a self-funded, non-profit organization. It receives no help from a government entity. Funding comes from its own business operations, fundraisers and the generosity of compassionate people, businesses, foundations and churches.

To volunteer, make a donation or arrange for a program for your church, you are invited to call 256-773-4358 or go online to milestonesrm.org.