Continuing to explore the issues of incarceration, addiction and then recovery we had another fascinating interview with a ministry taking these problems head on. We talked to Brian Bassett of 24/7 Recovery Program about what they are doing in Kootenai County. Brian also brought one of their board members, Dave Wells, to provide additional insight.

Brian, we have been delving into this problem of addiction and incarceration with several local ministries. Can you give us more insight into the problem?

Approximately 27 million Americans are turning to drugs and alcohol on a regular basis and more than half of federal prisoners are incarcerated for drug charges. Most women incarcerated are there on drug charges and the effect on families and children is devastating. To feed these habits they turn to other illegal activities.

What approach do you take to bring about recovery?

We are a Christ-centered recovery ministry and we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus by providing people suffering from addiction a safer place to pursue recovery, classes and special training, and most importantly, surrounding them with the love Jesus Christ 24/7.

We have separate residential programs for both men and women with house managers. it is a 16-month recovery program — 10 months in residence and six months after care. Many of those in the program are coming directly out of incarceration. We have a 12-step, Christ-centered program with regular Bible teaching. Mentoring one-on-one is also vital.

We have been doing this for nearly 15 years and believe we have a system that is successful.

You are one of several ministries of this type. How does all of this work together and with the rest of the community?

There is certainly not competition and we all have our slightly different approach but there is a tremendous cooperative spirit and with the legal system, law enforcement and probation officers. We all have the same goals: To stop the revolving door and restore lives and families.

What is the cost of the program for participants?

We charge $400 a month and frankly that doesn’t cover our costs but we want to serve as many as we can. Our concern is that we can provide that power to change lives!

Where does the rest of your support come from?

Well, we have some church support, we have a committee of eight people, including Dave Wells, that help us raise funds. We have an annual golf tournament and this year we have L3 Ranch in Blanchard working with us on a raffle of an elk and buffalo. Tickets are $10 each and it will be held Dec. 1 and beyond that we are dependent upon gifts from donors.

For those who want meat in the freezer and not successful in their hunting this year, this is their chance!

If there are people that want to give or receive more information how do they contact you?

If people want to volunteer as a mentor or other help, we welcome that. We can always use other donations and obviously money to cover the bills. We also value the prayers that we can continue this ministry and change lives.

They can email me at [email protected] or call 208-772-7544 or 208-819-4633.