By Vivian Shipe
KNOXVILLE, TN — They know it works. They have walked it. All they needed was a second chance. The living testimony presented by Tim and Shannon Macklin was an example of the fall and successful rise of the life of a former opioid addicted husband and wife.
During the fourth ALL4KNOX townhall meeting held by the family/community sector, The Macklin’s shared their stories of becoming addicted to opioids. They were very transparent about their losses of their homes, jobs, children, family, time in jail, and sickness.
They were also open about the stigma they overcame, their bold faith, their way back and how they are lifting up others now that they are on their feet and addiction free.
After turning their lives over to Jesus, to whom they give all glory for their success, they have rebuilt their lives. Tim owns Alpha Concepts Construction Company and together he and his wife Shannon operate four transitional houses.
They call them “whole houses “ not half-way houses for those recovering from opioid addiction and those re- entering life from prison. They have been working with the recovery population for many years
It is a model of protective recovery that has worked for years for the Macklin’s. They know the temptation and the dangers of relapse so their program provides a continum of care that provides not only housing, but also employment.
Tim proudly hires those with addiction issues and ex-offenders to work at his construction company. His program has been so successful; judges often refer people to his program. He has helped hundreds to get back on their feet.
The Macklin’s are strong advocates for those who are struggling with the life destruction that comes with addiction and prison and encourage other employers to be open to hiring former opioid users and former felons.
Second chances.
