May 3, 2009

More seek hope through faith, fitness

Participation more than doubles in YMCA spiritual, mental and physical health program

By Harriet Vaughan
THE TENNESSEAN

BRENTWOOD — With a tough economy, increased foreclosure rates and high unemployment, more people in the county are turning their problems over to a higher power — and Restore Ministries is there to lend a hand.

The faith-based healing ministry that's part of the YMCA saw a jump from 103 participants in January 2008 to 245 this year, according to program coordinator Lindsey Castleman.

"We had so many calls in November and December that we knew it would be bigger than we thought. We had to add several classes in February and in March because people kept calling and saying they wanted to get in," Castleman said.

The program was founded in 1994 at the Green Hills YMCA by Scott Reall, who recognized that many members were struggling with issues that would be best helped through a 12-step program. With the blessing of the Y, he began leading recovery groups onsite.

Today, the holistic healing program has grown to encompass spiritual, emotional and physical counseling. Participants attend support groups focusing on self-esteem, relationship problems, courage building, grief and loss, addiction and more. One-on-one counseling is also offered.

In addition, Restore Ministries calls in YMCA staff to assist participants in fitness and healthy eating classes to help build physical health.

"I really couldn't think of a better place to turn in a time of need. I've heard so many people say that when they turned to Restore groups, they feel a sense of family. You become bonded with everyone else and you learn that you are not alone in your struggle. No matter what you've lost, we take and embrace you for who you are," said Castleman.

Restore averages 250 counseling sessions a month at its Williamson County locations, which include most YMCAs and churches such as Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Fellowship Bible Church, Brentwood Baptist Church and Christ Community.

Counselor needs counseling

It's been an emotional refuge for Franklin resident Rebecca Griffith, a marriage counselor who sought counseling at Restore Ministries for trouble in her own 22-year marriage.

"I thought I had control over my life. What I found was that I was really focused on saving the marriage, but a lot of times the marriage cannot be saved. No matter how hard you try, sometimes the marriage can't be saved," Griffth said.

Griffith began attending the program's 12-Step support group, an eight-week session that Griffith calls a lifesaver.

"I was really in a bad place in my life. A very difficult place. By the end of the first night, I knew that's where I was supposed to be."

That was three and a half years ago. The former private practice counselor has once again turned her pain into purpose and is now senior program director and counselor for Restore Ministries.

Back from the brink

Davidson County resident Katie Cleek has attended Restore support groups and one-on-one counseling sessions for two years at Maryland Farms YMCA and Brentwood Baptist Church.

Cleek, who says she grew up in a home filled with verbal and physical abuse, an alcoholic father and grandfather, credits the program with saving her life.

"I was caught in a cycle of shame and I hated myself. I reached a point where I couldn't take care of myself anymore. I thought if I'd take my life things would be better," said Cleek, who also had turned to her own addictions, including food, for escape.

Prepared to end her life during a drive home one day, Cleek remembered a friend telling her about Restore Ministries. Cleek made the call and hasn't looked back since.

"Without it, I know I wouldn't be here. There's no doubt if I hadn't called that afternoon, I would not be here," she added.

Today, Cleek says, she has overcome her addiction to food and has adopted a new outlook on life and health.

She is running marathons and working on her Master's degree in counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University.

The degree will come in handy for her new job with Restore Ministries. She is undergoing training to facilitate support groups. Helping others fight through their pain after a being trapped by a lifetime of it is a testament to the power of Restore, Cleek says.

"They've given me the tools to live and the freedom to change. The difference between the me now and the me one year ago is that I have hope," said Cleek.

Additional Facts

To learn more

For more information on Restore Ministries, visit http://restoreymca.org. The program also has counselors on standby to answer calls during the day at 615-297-6529. After hours, those in crisis can call 615-244-7444.