Friends of Sinners (FoS) is a non-profit organization that serves the Owensboro/Daviess County community by restoring men, women and families who have been torn apart by substance abuse. FoS emphasizes relationships and discipleship in its ministry by providing biblical truths, accountability and life skills to the people it serves. In 2009, founder Roger Chilton had a dream to open a Christ-centered rehabilitation facility to help addicts find recovery and a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In just nine years, the organization has expanded to employ 10 staff members serving approximately 50 clients at a time on four different properties. Friends of Sinners has impacted close to 100 people in 2018 alone, and more than 1,000 lives since 2009.
But according to FoS Executive Director Joe Welsh, the Owensboro non-profit is fighting what he calls an overwhelming war on substance abuse.
“It’s getting harder every day,” Welsh said.
Ashley Rolley is one of those thousand lives changed by Friends of Sinners. She sought rehab through FoS for an addiction to alcohol.
“I lost my house, car, job and relationship with my family,” Rolley said. “My parents are so grateful to FoS for accepting me.”
Through weekly Bible studies and discipleship relationships, Rolley said she learned to trust God instead of relying on her addiction. Faithful volunteers Jean Byrd, Jeannie Penrod, and Assistant Women’s Supervisor Haley Jones were instrumental in pouring into Rolley’s life and helping her on the road to recovery.
“I always thought I was a Christian, but I wasn’t living for Christ,” Rolley said. “I liked the focus on God at Friends of Sinners. It helped with the addict’s phenomenon of craving. I could focus on God instead of craving my addiction.”
Rolley also said that FoS helped her develop practical life skills like communication, cleaning, and getting along with others. During her recovery at FoS, Rolley shared a room with five other women and said she developed an enduring bond with them during her time at FoS. Rolley graduated from the program in October 2017 and now volunteers as a mentor to another girl who is currently going through FoS. She said they meet up to work through the recovery steps or just to talk about life and hang out.
“It’s different from other rehab programs,” Rolley said. “My heart is with Friends of Sinners. I have such a passion for it.”
Welsh said the best way someone can help FoS is by praying, giving money or volunteering.
“The greatest gift we could ever receive as an organization is knowing that a church has committed to helping us fight drugs with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It gives us strength and energy each time a new church partners with us,” Welsh said. “We need your help.”
