Forge Celebrates Another Graduation
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Forge Men’s Recovery Center celebrated the restoration of six more men to a life of freedom, hope, and purpose during the Center’s fifth graduation ceremony on Saturday, July 20.
“This is definitely exciting to have another group graduate, and watch these guys go through that process. It’s not about position or movement, but about seeing transformation happen. It’s an honor to be a part of this and to see how God is able to do His work through me, through this organization, and through all of you,” said Director Craig George.
He continued, “You’ve heard our mission statement – those things are exactly what we witness: freedom not only from active addiction but the bondage of self. That’s where true freedom lies. Hope that God can restore anything that you are willing to surrender to Him, that’s where our hope lies. That purpose [is] finding opportunities to use that thing that was meant to destroy us for good, and to now be able to give back to one another.”
George added, “This thing is amazing; it’s amazing for what has happened to the graduates that have come before you that are still working alongside of each of you, and it’s amazing for you. It’s growing exponentially, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for all of you men. It takes a complete and total surrender, so that’s what we challenge you with: to change your perspective so you can see things in a different light. When your perspective changes, your perception changes. I’m very thankful and honored to be a part of this work that God has been doing. The work that has been done is immeasurable – it is aripple effect and there is no way to measure how many lives we have been able to reach and touch. It’s pretty awesome, and we are so grateful.”
Forge Assistant Director Todd Hamm also spoke on the occasion, saying “Spiritual principles are our solutions. The steps are the framework. Sponsorship is the heartbeat of our program, and our Higher Power is in control of it all.”
Hamm spoke to each of the graduates individually, sharing spiritual principles which he felt they best exemplified. Those principles were: Chase Thompson – acceptance, hope, courage, and service; Randall Frost – service, integrity, patience, and humility; Joseph Allen – faith, humility, patience, and tolerance; Joseph Terrell Benefield – acceptance, service, love, and open mindedness; Jason Doenges – willingness, discipline, integrity, and honor; and Raymond Thompson – willingness, courage, humility, and surrender.
Each graduate was presented with a plaque and given an opportunity to speak on their accomplishment; the graduates then had a family member or friend also speak on their behalf about the event.
Chase Thompson
“You are a natural leader. You didn’t have to learn how to do that – that came right when you came through the door; you already had it. You can’t run from that. There’s no way to not do it – you’re either going to do it in the wrong way or the right way: you have that choice,” George began the recognition. “You are positive, and you are a role model for a lot of men. They look up to you. You are a role model for your family – your brothers and sisters are looking at you.”
George shared that Thompson had endured a tough setback in the beginning of his time at Forge, but had overcome those challenges. “It has been amazing to watch you bounce back and watch you rise to staff communicator in this program. We have experienced some hard losses along the way, but I am so thankful for you and the work that you have put into this program,” he emphasized.
Thompson then addressed the crowd, saying, “First off, I want to thank God for letting me be here today. I want to thank Craig and Forge for saving my life, and for changing my mindset and the way that I think about things – it’s so much different. The new way of life that I have learned to live is so much better than the way I was living.”
He thanked his family for never giving up on him, as he told them, “That means the most to me.”
Thompson’s stepfather Jason Berry addressed the graduate, as he shared, “First of all, let me say congratulations on making it through Forge. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline and strength, plus courage to humble yourself and admit your weaknesses. I can relate so much to you because I struggled with cocaine addiction in my early 20s, and as the Allman Brothers once said, ‘Life can take the strongest man and make him feel so alone.’ That’s so true. We as men – no matter how strong – cannot succeed in this life by ourselves. We need love; we need the support of others; we need encouragement and wisdom.”
Berry continued, “Just as a forge is used by blacksmiths to take a soft metal, put it in the fire, beat it into shape, and eventually create something magnificent, like a sword, our lives are that way – we are strengthened by our trials and tribulations. Essentially, they take a useless blob and become something very strong and beautiful in life. You’ve not always been dealt the best cards, Chase, and you have had to endure many hard things, but that hard stuff has made you stronger.”
Berry thanked Forge and George for their efforts in restoring his son, before turning back to Thompson. “God has blessed you with a family that adores you…I love each and every one of them, but you Chase, are the hardest worker of the bunch. You always have been. From the day I met you, I have always been impressed with your work ethic – whether it was cleaning up the kitchen, pulling weeds, or picking squash at the farm, you always did your part and then some. You were even changing diapers at 13 years old. I pray you continue to forge ahead on this path you are currently on, and I look forward to seeing all the things that you do,” he remarked.
He continued, as he read a letter which Thompson’s mother had penned to her son. The letter read, “Over the years, I have watched you grow, and I have seen your successes, dreams, and your struggles. Today marks a significant milestone in our lives. It is a day filled with emotion that I cannot put into words, but relief, gratitude, pride, and overwhelming love come to mind. Your path has not been easy, and you have faced challenges that no one should have to endure, but your journey through addiction and recovery has been one of the most challenging things you’ve faced. It has been a testament to your strength and resilience. Each step that you have taken toward recovery is a step toward life, your future, and happiness. I hope that you will always remain connected with this wonderful program that changes lives.”
Randall Frost
When introducing Frost, George emphasized his admiration of the graduate. “You’ve been consistent since day one. Your talents are unlike anyone else I have ever met. Your ability to be efficient in everything that you do is amazing. You are sincere – these guys say that you don’t say a whole lot, and that’s absolutely true, but I like how they say you don’t have to say a whole lot. When you speak, everybody listens, and that is such a powerful gift.”
George added, “I hope and pray that you continue to use that in a way that you encourage others. You have gained the respect of every man here – there is no one that can say a negative thing about you, and I appreciate that. I appreciate your hard work, everything you have done for me personally, and everything you have done for these men in this program. I’m super proud of you.”
George continued, “For an individual to come through this program and not have something that forced you to stay here long enough for it to make sense is rare. You came on your own. You have a home to go back to; you have a wife – you had all the reason to walk out that door, but you didn’t, and I hope you know how much that means to us.”
Frost thanked everyone for their support in his journey, and shared his excitement for his new life. “This has definitely changed my life here a lot. Everyone here has helped me a lot. I don’t talk much, but I do observe – I’ve learned a lot from all of you; I just never had to ask anything. I really appreciate all of you helping me through the steps. I didn’t have any experience with recovery before this. Going through the steps, having a sponsor, and just going through this program has been great. I really appreciate all of you. I’ve never graduated from anything – so, this is my first time,” he told the audience.
Frost’s wife Brittney Frost then addressed the crowd. She explained that she had been married to the graduate for 12 years, all of which he had struggled with addiction. “It’s affected not only him, but everyone in his life, and I can’t tell you how many times I have gone on mornings before work having to drive around town looking for him. I’d usually find him passed out in a parking lot somewhere. He has come so close to death twice that I am aware of. One day, I sensed something was wrong and came home to check on him, and I was finally able to get him moving – that was the day he lost his job. The next day, he was arrested for drug charges.”
She added, “I have had every reason in the world to leave, and if I had only been looking out for myself, I probably should have. I believed that he was just destined for so much more than just being an addict. About a week after his arrest, he came here – that arrest was his saving grace, because he probably would have died that night, too. He’s grown so much as a person, a husband, and a father thanks to the Forge and all of his hard work. We have been blessed with a new shot at life, and he has busted his tail to get where he is today. I couldn’t be any more proud of him. I feel so relieved – I feel like the hardest parts are behind us now, and he has all the tools necessary to succeed and he has an entire team of supporters backing him up.”
The wife emphasized her gratitude to the Forge and its residents, as she shared her admiration of the program.
Joseph Allen
George began the recognition, saying, “Any time that anyone needs someone to listen to them and to really feel like they are listening, they can call you. Anyone who speaks to you knows that they are connecting and have your full attention, and I appreciate that. Every man in here knows that. There is not a person in this program that is more laid back, goes with the flow, and still has a smile on his face, even when times aren’t all right. I appreciate that so much – it’s how we made it through some tough times and tough days together. You’ve heard the word love a lot – a bunch of you guys have that – but it’s just overflowing from you, Joe. Every time that I am around you, you make others feel good about who they are. I don’t think you see our differences, and I really appreciate that.”
Upon receiving his plaque, Allen addressed the crowd. “I did it. How did I do it? Well, it wasn’t easy, and I did it because all of the people around me were pouring into me and helping me get through my problem. I didn’t like it at first, but it worked out, and I try to help as many people as I can now, too, today. The support of my family, the staff, and everybody in the program helped me make it through. I really appreciate y’all,” he emphasized.
Allen’s mother then spoke on his behalf. “It’s amazing the recovery Joseph shows in everyday life. This program has been life changing for him, and the changes that he has made are evident in everything that he does. I am so proud of him,” she told the crowd before turning to her son. “This is a chance and a new beginning – a life full of hope and a promise of a better future. Congratulations, Joseph, you did it! I’m so proud of you!”
Joseph Benefield
When discussing Benefield, George highlighted the graduate’s joy and his resilience when faced with challenges. “You are definitely one of the most encouraging, inspiring, and kind men that I have ever met in my life. Even at the toughest times at Forge, you kept a positive attitude. You’ve dealt with a lot, and you have overcome a lot,” he commented. “You had some issues that froze you for a bit at Forge, but I saw you come back, and from that point forward, you’ve been unstoppable. I can’t walk in a room where you’re at and not smile. You are going to show love, you’re going to hug, and you are going to encourage other people. I pray that you stay connected with us, continue to pour into your sponsors, and do what you do because it comes real natural. I hope you know how grateful I am to have you in this organization as a brother of mine, now. I love you, man.”
Benefield recounted memories and shared his gratitude toward several fellow Forge residents and staff members before reflecting on his experience at the facility. “When I was in the county jail, I prayed for God to send me to a place that I needed to be and show me – because I’m someone that needs to be shown – that’s where I should be. When I got [to Forge], I was immediately showed love by my roommate, Jacob. That’s where I get the hugging from! And tonight, it has me sounding like one of the weirdest dudes here,” he told the crowd with a laugh. “It’s unreal how y’all have touched my life. I don’t even know how to say it. There have been some hard times, but we made it through. Y’all are true friends.”
Fellow Forge resident Chris Anderson spoke on behalf of Benefield, sharing that he met the graduate at Forge. “I was broken and didn’t want to talk to anyone; I just wanted to be left alone. The next morning, here comes Joey – ‘ole bubbly Joey – and he walks in and says, ‘Hey bro, how are you, man?’ and came up and gave me this huge hug. It was real, genuine, and I felt like I was cared for and I mattered. That was the start of a really special friendship for me. He is by far the kindest, gentlest, most loving human being that I have ever met. His personality, his likeableness, his inspiration to others is just second to none. It’s bittersweet for me because it helped my days seeing him every day,” he emphasized.
Jason Doenges
When discussing Doenges, George emphasized the graduate’s calm nature and shared memories of the man’s first days at Forge. “I was able to watch you and hang out with you, and you were as calm as could be. Ever since that time, I’ve been waiting on the thing or explosion, and it hasn’t happened. You came in here and you really put the work in necessary to succeed, and to thoroughly transform your life. These continued from page
guys love you, and you have a great attitude. Your sense of humor is great, and I appreciate you being a part of our group and this organization. The sky is the limit, you have a great new opportunity ahead of you, and I think you will do great things.”
Doenges then addressed the crowd, saying, “Man, it’s been a journey. I remember when Jimbo picked me up from the Bass Pro Shop in Macon. I didn’t know if I would ever make it to where he was. I was a broken, broken man, and this program and journey has really changed my life. I am so grateful for all you guys. It’s been great to experience the brotherhood, the projects, and more. I promise I learned a lot. I’ve changed as I’ve worked through the steps – I’ve learned that I can control the way I think and the way I feel, and the opportunities and doors that have opened – life just keeps getting better and better. I’m so grateful for this process. It’s awesome, and I love you guys.”
Doenges’s father also spoke on the occasion, as he remarked, “I want to thank everybody at Forge for all the hard work that you do in helping him become who he is. He’s been through some crap, but he made it and I’m proud of him.”
Raymond Thompson
George described Thompson as being passionate, determined, and intelligent. “It has been stated tonight that you may have come the farthest of any individual we have ever seen at Forge and I attest to that – I agree. You are not the same person that I met, and I value you today,” the leader emphasized.
George explained, “You guide me, whether you know it or not, and you have taught me a lot. You spent time with me and helped me in so many different ways. You are gifted and talented in a lot of areas that I am not, and you have shared with me in that way, and I am very appreciative. You are the undisputed champion of the addict great debate, so I expect you to come back and see if you can hold on to that title each year until someone takes it from you. I’m super proud of you, I love you, and I’m looking forward to working with you in the future.”
Thompson began, “Today, God’s done for me what I could not do for myself. I have been to a lot of recovery meetings in the last two years – I’ve seen a lot of organizations in the last two years similar to Forge. One thing I can say that is different about this program is the unity in this program. Unity is the exact opposite of addiction. In this program, we go to meetings together – in other programs, people walk into meetings sulking; Forge guys walk in hanging out and hugging each other. This program has a unity like I had never seen in any program.”
He went on to share his gratitude to all in the program before his twin brother also addressed the crowd. “This is the best I have ever seen Raymond,” Thompson’s brother told the audience. “I am so grateful to you all for all that you do.”
The ceremony closed as all attendees gathered on stage for the traditional graduation picture, as the leaders emphasized that Vidalia and Toombs County is a community that supports recovery.
CELEBRATING RECOVERY – Forge Men’s Recovery Center celebrated the graduation of 6 residents from their program, and were presented with a picture from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels for their work within the community. L to R: Vidalia Onion Festival Chairman Jake Cleghorn, Raymond Thompson, Joseph Benefield, Jason Doenges, Forge Administrative Assistant Amy Cruz, Chase Thompson, Randall Frost, Joseph Allen, Vidalia Onion Festival Committee Past Chairman Andy Woodruff
