By Rachel Parker Dickerson
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Rnewal Ranch, a Christian-based facility for men with drug and alcohol addictions that is planned for Conway, announced Monday it will soon have the land it needs to start construction.
At a reception Monday night, Dr. Larry Pillow, chairman of the board, said, “A donor has come forward that will enable us to have the financing at a modest cost to buy land and develop the facility quickly. The possibilities are that we would be open for business sometime in 2010.”
Brian Poppe, a board member, said, “I would love to have it open June 1.”
He said of the land, “We’ve been looking for a minimum of 40 (acres), and hopefully we’ve found something that will suit our needs. It’s 40 with the option to expand.”
The board could not announce Monday the location of the land or the name of the donor, as the deal was not complete. However, board members said the announcement would be made in January.
Pillow said he has learned that many people who want help for their addictions either cannot get into a program, cannot afford treatment, or, if they can get in, the treatment is too brief or does not have a spiritual component. He said Renewal Ranch will address all these issues, providing a program modeled after John 3:16 Ministries in Charlotte, AR, which is free to the men and supported by private donations and churches in the area.
Pillow said, “We’ve been working on it for a year. We’ve been meeting and planning and praying and asking for donors. We’re getting closer to reality. We should have a land acquisition sometime in early 2010. We have been extremely thankful for the tremendous support of the community. It’s been amazing. Pastors and key leaders, people from all walks of life have been very encouraging.”
James Loy, along with his wife, Laura, will be the executive director of the program. Loy is a graduate of John 3:16 Ministries. Poppe said he and Loy were college roommates, and Loy was the best man at his wedding. Then they lost touch for 20 years while Loy was struggling with addiction but have reestablished their friendship, Poppe said.
“The different people and organizations we’ve spoken with, no one has said ‘What a terrible idea.’ Most have said ‘I’ve been affected by that; I have a family member affected by that,’” Poppe said.
Poppe said donors should continue to support organizations in the area that help victims, such as Soaring Wings Ranch, HAVEN and the Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas, noting, however, that an addicted man is usually the root cause behind the need for those organizations.
