A common bond of many staff and most peers of Perry Wellness Center is the journey of recovery from mental illness or addictive disease. Megan Owens, the newest staff member, knows that journey well. At a first meeting, the graceful and friendly young woman shares the story of her struggles with substance abuse and how her life turned around.
“I was an adult addicted to drugs,” Megan states candidly. “I have done all of the harsh and dangerous drugs now available on the street. I was in prison for one year and had a mental renewal. I was led to God. He was aware of my desire to improve my life.”
The Leesburg, Georgia native began her recovery at Potter’s House in Milner, Georgia. This residential treatment home offers a Christian discipleship program for women with alcohol and drug problems. At Potter’s House, Megan found a sense of community with others who struggled with the same issues, as well as inspiration to help others.
“I thought that my life on the street, with no food or money, had been traumatic,” Megan recalls, “But others had like and worse stories.”
While at Potter’s House, she was approached by a supportive individual who volunteered to pay her tuition for certification in chaplain training. She has been a master cosmetologist since 2015, but has learned other skills that help her in her new work, including sign language and interpretive dance.
Motivated by the desire to improve both her own life and the lives of others, Megan became Assistant Director of the Milner facility. When another Potter’s House opened in Americus, where she now resides, she began to volunteer as the facility director. Her membership at local Central Baptist Church also inspires her volunteer activities.
Megan explains, “As I live with the power of God in my life, positive change is a way of life for me. With God, we are putting together a good life.”
Her work at Perry Wellness Center seems a natural next step in this journey. Megan notes, “I came to Perry Wellness Center and shared my past, and I am now on staff.! Stuart Perry has shared that he would like to provide me additional training as a Certified Peer Specialist. I cannot wait to promote this place with my good comments.”
But her closing comment today is what stays with us: “I have been sober and clean for two years. God is good!”
Thanks, Megan, for sharing your inspirational story.