HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A local ministry that helps people overcome drug addiction is bringing joy to others this holiday season. That joy comes in the form of Christmas lights, and front and center are three words wrapped in those lights... faith, hope and love.
DAP, which is short for Drug Alternative Program, is a house that holds eight men at a time, in efforts to win their battle against drug addiction but not only that... it's to change their lifestyles for the long run and they have gone all out this year when it comes to Christmas lights.
This 12 to 18 month residential program for men achieves those goals by...
"They have one-on-one therapy, group therapy, recreation and our program is set up like everyday living. You know, Cliff and I didn't know... how do we set up the program up? And the Lord impressed us to set it up like everyday living," said Freddie Harris, Co-Director, DAP.
For the president of DAP, there is a personal motivator behind wanting to help people out.
"There is a cost, but we don't turn anyone away because of no money. See, I'm an ex-drug addict, 20 years of drug abuse. I've been in the Colorado State Penitentiary twice, you know, in and out of jails all my life. I've been in, you know, heroin, 20 years of it, lost family, home, everything behind drugs. So, I wanted to help somebody not go through life what I went through," said Clifford Harris, President, DAP.
This year, the clients that live in the DAP house have really gone above and beyond when it comes to Christmas decorations, but why?
"Our theme is lights for Christ, and during this pandemic season, we wanted to just lift people's spirits. You see in the front we have FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. On the garage we have a cross. And so, we all know Jesus is the reason for the season, so we just wanted to lift up people's spirits and as they pass here, they can feel good during the Christmas season," said Freddie Harris.
During these trying times, the residents say it's more important than ever to let their light shine.
"It's important to us, to make the place look good. To draw attention to us, to let people know we are here and we're doing something good, trying to make a positive impact on our community. Just make the place look nice and bring some joy to the world this time of year," said Allen Davis, Client, DAP.