RAYNE, La. (KLFY) – Overdose deaths are on the rise both across the country and in Louisiana.

Recovery Ministries is looking to give those suffering from addiction a little hope by creating the Hope Recovery Center.

Jen Cormier and Ravi Kamath are two of Recovery Ministries founders. 

“In June of 2017 we purchased this facility. We are planning to run it as a free Christian retreat center for men coming out of addiction,” Kamath said. 

The Christian-based program will last for one year, with men living on site as a way to heal and get back on their feet.

“We’ve seen it work for all the guys that we’ve helped. When you give yourself and your focus to something more bigger than you,” Cormier said.

“It’s a Biblical twelve-step discipleship program. It will be very biblically based as well as using the twelve-step process of AA,” Kamath said. 

This ministry is near to Cormier’s and Kamath’s heart as recovering addicts themselves. 

“I’ve been clean six years, one month. I was like worst of the worst. There was no hope for me,” Cormier said.

“I would call myself a highly functioning drug user. Since I’ve become a Christian in July 2014, I’ve been delivered from that,” Kamath said. 

They’re looking to get operational as soon as possible. Phase One of renovations includes opening up 22 bedrooms to house the men. Phase Two and Three of renovations include building a cafeteria and renting out office space in the back of the building.

“I hope it see it just blossom and be embraced. People come here and just have that revival, knowing that there is hope and they can leave here knowing they have a purpose,” Cormier said.

The building, renovations and operations are all funded through donations. Recovery Ministries need $520,000 for phase one of renovations and to be able to open their doors. The Hope Recovery Center plans to open in July 2019. 

For more information on how to donate click here.