On Friday, February 29, the Outreach Center celebrated men and women who have triumphed over life’s obstacles by completing the Job Opportunity & Training Center recovery program.  The community joined the inspirational graduates as they beganbright new chapters of their lives at the Outreach Center's Job Opportunity & Training Center commencement ceremony. The ceremony began at 7 pm at 124 S. Buchanan St. in downtown Lafayette and featured a special performance by the “Voices of Recovery” choir, made up of Outreach Center shelter residents celebrating their newly rebuilt lives through song.

JOTC Graduating Class from left to right: Judith, Edith, Flynn, Shirley, Arthur & Shirley	Special Milestone Award Recipient: Stephanie	Special Milestone Award Recipient: Josie

Shirley, 54, is one of the inspiring graduation candidates, who through the Center’s recovery program has transformed her life from alcoholism and mental disability to a life of health, happiness and self-sufficiency.

“Alcohol and mental disability made me powerless over my own life. After two attempts of detox I came to the Outreach Center. I remember reading a sign at the Center that changed my outlook on recovery, ‘Focusing on our clients’ abilities, not their disabilities.’ It was then I decided to make a commitment to accept help and to give myself to God, no reservations. Now I can be a woman, a daughter, a mother and most importantly a grandmother. After graduation I plan to continue working at Chick-fil-A where I have found friends who are supportive of my recovery. My goal is to enroll in school part time to help others in detox restore their shattered lives. Thanks to the Outreach Center I have put the broken pieces of my life back together.”