On Warren Street in Deridder you might see fresh dirt being upturned...and if you haven’t seen it, get ready to watch lives be changed on the property, thanks to a program put on by a few local churches.
“Cross Ties is for real people with real problems. We’re a support group that comes together to be there for one another, this will be our future site for Crossties, we’re coming together with some local churches here in Deridder to make this program happen,” Andy Williams, a Cross Ties volunteer said.
The program so far is being sponsored by Christ Church of Oakdale, Christway Church, and First Pentecostal Church, but of course this is just a starting point.
“This program started many years ago out of Oakdale, and now we’ve brought it to Deridder because of the need,” Eddie Ware, of Christ Church of Oakdale said.
“People get released from prison, it’s all to help them get established, we need more of a re-entry type program to help them get jobs and get on their feet, get situated,” Williams said.
This is a program meant to help those that normally have a difficult time finding help.
“There’s no substantial program in this location to help with the rehabilitation. We see the endless circles, the endless cycles. Since cross ties has been really active, we’re seeing people reach true recovery, becoming a good group. There’s accountability, a difference in people’s lives,” Chance Lewis, the associate pastor at First Pentecostal Church said.