MILLERSBURG — Leaders from the faith-based Operation 612 on Monday explained their mission to help individuals break free from their addiction to drugs and alcohol, while asking the Holmes County commissioners for some financial assistance.
The program derives its name from Ephesians 6:12, which promotes “putting on the armor of God” in times of struggle, said Paul Fehr, who grew up Amish and battled his own addiction, even doing prison time, before attaining sobriety some 10 years ago.
Currently operating out of the Berean Community Church in Wilmot, the program has the ability to work with up to 15 individuals, guiding them through an intensive program focusing on faith and brotherhood to overcome addiction to find a health productive life.
And, while they try specifically to connect with the Amish and Mennonite …show more content…
They're now looking for an additional $100,000 to purchase several acres of surrounding property.
The group, Hershberger said, also is looking to make its way into some 200 parochial schools in the area, where they hope to speak to area youth about the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction. Because of his upbringing, Fehr said, “I'm really passionate about getting information into the plain community.”
They also expressed interest in working with the Hebron Recovery Group, which is working to open a faith-based recovery facility in Millersburg.
“This is an important thing,” said Commissioner Joe Miller, although he suggested there are restrictions on what government funds can and can be used to support.
He said the commissioners would explore what restrictions there may be and encouraged Operation 612 leaders to continue to work with other groups in the area, some of which are seeking outside grant funding to support similar