The Charleston Recovery Center, a division of God’s House of Hope, held its Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Friday, April 5, marking the launch of the fourth location of God’s House of Hope.
The Charleston facility, dedicated to Casey Young, the late son of Jeff Young and Executive Director/Co-Founder of GHOH, Amy Coyle, holds great significance. Though not personally afflicted by drug addiction, Casey tragically passed away from an accidental overdose at the young age of 24 in March 2023. In honoring his love for life and vibrant spirit, the new center stands as a tribute to Casey.
Throughout the ceremony, multiple GHOH staff members shared the organization's journey. The expansion to four locations wasn't initially anticipated. The first location in Nettleton, established in 2017, was originally seen as sufficient. Rebekah Johnson, the assistant executive director at GHOH Kilmichael, reflected that this expansion wasn't part of their original vision, but rather a testament to unforeseen divine intervention.
“In the beginning, I think I just thought there would be Nettleton and there would be nothing else, and here we are at No. 4 for God’s House of Hope,” Johnson said.
Amy Coyle also took the stage to speak about her son, Casey, emphasizing the significance of his father, Jeff Young, and sister, Christina Young Testerman, being present at the event. She shared aspects of her own journey, highlighting Mr. Young’s role in raising Casey due to her struggles with addiction.
“I walked in a set of doors just like this 10 years ago,” Coyle shared. “And the sad truth is, this man had to raise our child because I was a wreck.”
She also expressed that despite the loss of Casey, his legacy will live on through the works of GHOH, saving the lives of the men that walk through the doors of the Charleston location.
Casey's father and sister made the journey from North Carolina in Casey’s cherished truck to attend the significant event. When they spoke about GHOH's endeavors, they expressed nothing but admiration.
“It’s amazing, I love what they’re doing,” Mr. Young remarked.
They also spoke of the love they had for Casey and the love Casey had for others, as proven by his diverse group of friends from various backgrounds.
“He had the biggest variety of friends,” Mr. Young said. “There would be people pulling in on a Harley, and then a preacher would pull in behind him.”
While they grieve the loss of their son and brother, they cherish the memory of who he was and the joy he found in life.
“He lived life to the fullest,” Testerman concluded.
The Charleston Recovery Center, a division of God’s House of Hope, is an all-male facility under the leadership of Patrick McGee and Raymond Schroyer. The center operates solely on donations.
If you would like to donate you can at https://www.ghohkilmichael.com/donate or in person at the facility located at 30104 Mississippi Highway 32, Charleston, MS.
