On May 9, 2025, the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club welcomed Pastor David Morgan and Charles Ballard from 8Oaks Recovery during their weekly gathering. The duo delivered an impactful presentation focusing on the vital connections between mental, spiritual, and emotional healing. Pastor Morgan, who is both the founder of 8Oaks Recovery and a leader at the United Church, articulated the organization’s foundational belief that mental health and spiritual health are intrinsically linked. He elaborated on how 8Oaks, now celebrating its third year of service, offers Christ-centered recovery programs aimed at individuals grappling with addiction.
Currently, 8Oaks operates three recovery houses that accommodate a total of 45 individuals, with plans to expand this capacity to 85 beds within the next six months by opening two additional residences. In a significant development, Morgan also announced the recent initiation of an outpatient program specifically designed for women, which represents a crucial advancement in 8Oaks’ ongoing mission to provide comprehensive support for all those seeking recovery.
Charles Ballard, who serves as the housing director and is a graduate of the 8Oaks four-step program, shared a heartfelt testimony about his own transformative journey. After enduring 26 years of incarceration, Ballard discovered a renewed sense of purpose and peace through his faith and a commitment to God. Since joining 8Oaks two and a half years ago, he has played a pivotal role in assisting over 80 men in finding hope, direction, and healing. He emphasized the importance of community service projects facilitated by the program, highlighting how these initiatives help individuals uncover their God-given purpose. “We are not just a recovery center,” Ballard stated. “We are a community dedicated to rebuilding lives through service, faith, and love.”
At present, 8Oaks Recovery employs between 13 and 14 staff members, all of whom have successfully completed the program themselves. As a nonprofit organization, 8Oaks relies on a combination of state and private grants, along with limited insurance reimbursements, for funding. Although the United Church initially provided financial support, the program has now achieved a level of self-sustainability.
The Rotary Club expressed its appreciation for the transformative work being carried out by 8Oaks and is eager to explore future collaborations that will further promote recovery and restoration within the community. For those interested in learning more about 8Oaks Recovery, additional information can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/8oakstn. The program was introduced by Rotarian