Courtesy of HOM
The weather was warm and sunny as usual this past Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 46th Commencement for the Metamorphosis Class of 2014. This was the graduation celebration of forty-eight (twenty-four actually marched in the ceremony) people who proudly sat before family and friends as having completed an important step in their journey. These twenty-four residents prepared and graduated on Sunday July 13th, 2014 at the House of Metamorphosis. As family and friends sat under a big tent to support the Class, the graduates were inspired and given encouragement from brilliant guest speakers. Our master of ceremony was Reverend Roland Bryant.
The celebration included, opening remarks from the President of House of Metamorphosis Board of Directors, William Martin, who offered words of encouragement and warnings of those “slippery places”. The guest speaker was Motivational Speaker Pastor Eddie Stingley, who had been a speaker at 44th commencement ceremony and back by popular demand. He was honored to be a guest speaker and with his usual upbeat energy, sent a powerful message to the graduates to keep going with their recovery even through life difficulties. Other participants were from the faith community, Pastor Norris Jarmon, Linda Vista Second Baptist Church, HOM alumni graduates, Bryce Kelly, class valedictorian and current graduates of the program. Everyone also enjoyed the phenomenal voices of the House of Metamorphosis choir as they sang two wonderful songs of occasion under the direction of Carmella Bell
“I didn’t know what I was getting myself into but I’m glad I stuck with it,” stated one of the graduates during the graduation as the Executive Director of House of Metamorphosis, Beverly Monroe and her staff, assisted with the presentation of certificates. Ms. Monroe encouraged the graduates, thanked family and friends and all those who support the efforts of the HOM program. The program closed with the graduates line dancing to “Go Head Baby.”
HOM was founded in 1976 by Ms. Doris C. Ringgold whose single goal was helping people overcome their substance abuse addictions. Today, HOM exists as a non-profit 501 © (3) tax exempt organization funded, in part, by Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Services- Alcohol and Drug Services. Since opening its’ doors, HOM has served well over 6,800 individuals who struggled with alcohol and/or drug addictions.
HOM is a long-term 9-month residential treatment program, divided into four phases. The organization’s approach to substance abuser recovery is achieved through structured program services consisting of treatment planning, individual and group counseling, vocational training, counseling and job related referrals, family counseling, support groups and educational programs. HOM also provides psychological services which staffs two mental health clinicians and four volunteer mental health clinicians. In addition, HOM provides HIV/ awareness and prevention educational classes.
HOM is a behavior modification program designed to restore the health and self-esteem of the residence. Under the direction of Executive Director and a dedicated, compassionate program staff, House of Metamorphosis is continuing Ms. Doris C. Ringgold’s vision.
Photos by Mike Norris and Charmaine Mason
