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Rhonda Ryan PREVENTION COORDINATOR HOW LONG WERE YOU AN ALCOHOLIC? I took my first drink at twelve years of age, however I developed alcoholism over the years. I started drinking every day in my late twenties and took my last drink thirty nine. |
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SOBER? 9 years
HOW DOES GOD USE YOUR STORY TO HELP OTHERS?
My alcoholism was so severe that it could only be an act of God that I became sober. It proves "all things are possible with Him!" My story reveals the difference of turning to alcohol verses turning to God - from the smallest
things to tragic life events. Death verses life!
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN KWM/ STONE STORIES?
I write devotions and incorporate my own life experiences as entries into Stone Stories. I have also given my personal testimony in a Stone Stories video and have participated in the Stone Stories Revival. Recently I assumed the position of Prevention Coordinator of Stone Stories.
TELL US SOME OF WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING AS FAR AS PREVENTION.
I will be ministering to others as I lead youth bible studies and hands on activities. I will also be helping women go from bondage (addictions, etc.) and incarceration to learning life skills that prevent them from going back.
FUTURE VISION?
Bring the Love of Jesus to as many as possible.
WHAT DID GOD SPECIFICALLY CALL YOU TO DO?
He's called me to get His daughters - no matter what age, no matter what location, no matter what state of mind,
no matter how low and dirty - and bring them to Him.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ADD?
I'm excited about what God is doing and is going to do! I love what this ministry, that God created and designed, stands for and where He is taking it!
HOW DOES GOD USE YOUR STORY TO HELP OTHERS?
My alcoholism was so severe that it could only be an act of God that I became sober. It proves "all things are possible with Him!" My story reveals the difference of turning to alcohol verses turning to God - from the smallest
things to tragic life events. Death verses life!
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN KWM/ STONE STORIES?
I write devotions and incorporate my own life experiences as entries into Stone Stories. I have also given my personal testimony in a Stone Stories video and have participated in the Stone Stories Revival. Recently I assumed the position of Prevention Coordinator of Stone Stories.
TELL US SOME OF WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING AS FAR AS PREVENTION.
I will be ministering to others as I lead youth bible studies and hands on activities. I will also be helping women go from bondage (addictions, etc.) and incarceration to learning life skills that prevent them from going back.
FUTURE VISION?
Bring the Love of Jesus to as many as possible.
WHAT DID GOD SPECIFICALLY CALL YOU TO DO?
He's called me to get His daughters - no matter what age, no matter what location, no matter what state of mind,
no matter how low and dirty - and bring them to Him.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ADD?
I'm excited about what God is doing and is going to do! I love what this ministry, that God created and designed, stands for and where He is taking it!
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Amber Bean STONE STORIES VIDEO PRODUCTION TELL US WHAT YOU DO FOR STONE STORIES: I have the honor and privilege of being a part of the Stone Stories video division. I assist in producing and editing stories of women from all walks of life, in order to convey messages of hope, encouragement, deliverance, healing and bring Glory to God through the words of their testimonies! |
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH KWM?
I was introduced to Kelly Williams and ultimately KWM, when I heard her testimony at The Orchard Church in Tupelo. Hearing Kelly's story inspired me to reach out to others with my own story. There has been a multiplying effect ever since. It is awe-inspiring to be able to produce videos that are propelling profound and touching testimonies to be put in front of the eyes of many. As a little girl I always wanted a platform to speak out in order to encourage women. The Lord knew the desire of my heart, and I am thankful to be a part of everything God is doing through Stone Stories! Serving in this kingdom work blesses my heart beyond measure.
I was introduced to Kelly Williams and ultimately KWM, when I heard her testimony at The Orchard Church in Tupelo. Hearing Kelly's story inspired me to reach out to others with my own story. There has been a multiplying effect ever since. It is awe-inspiring to be able to produce videos that are propelling profound and touching testimonies to be put in front of the eyes of many. As a little girl I always wanted a platform to speak out in order to encourage women. The Lord knew the desire of my heart, and I am thankful to be a part of everything God is doing through Stone Stories! Serving in this kingdom work blesses my heart beyond measure.
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Valerie Garner TRANSFORMATION HOME Valerie was one of the first women to participate in Stone Stories. She is now an integral part of the ministry. Valerie works at The Transformation Home in Tupelo which connects women with Stones Stories. HOW LONG WERE YOU INCARCERATED? I was incarcerated on the charges of possession of cocaine and |
hydrocodone. It was a 15 and an 8 year concurrent sentence; but while I was there, I was taken back to court to face the charge of sale of cocaine. I was found guilty and was sentenced to another 14 years to run consecutively with the first charges. 29 years. 22 to serve.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRISON EXPERIENCE.
I went to prison hustling, selling cigarettes and doing what a lot of other women were doing - meeting friends and girlfriends at chapel service. I wasn't thinking at that time about where my life was headed, but this minister used to bring music to his services and over time I started listening to the lyrics. I recognized that it was possible that I would never see my family again. I had nobody, and by whatever time the system would let me out, I could very well have lost them all forever. That was not the only thing I thought about. There was something inside me that kept drawing back to those chapel services, even when I had nobody to see. When I began to feel again, I got this longing for my family; but it took a long time before I could hear from them. Years. All the while the longing was growing. It was a great challenge for me to think about how I could approach these people I have neglected; but now I needed them.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRISON EXPERIENCE.
I went to prison hustling, selling cigarettes and doing what a lot of other women were doing - meeting friends and girlfriends at chapel service. I wasn't thinking at that time about where my life was headed, but this minister used to bring music to his services and over time I started listening to the lyrics. I recognized that it was possible that I would never see my family again. I had nobody, and by whatever time the system would let me out, I could very well have lost them all forever. That was not the only thing I thought about. There was something inside me that kept drawing back to those chapel services, even when I had nobody to see. When I began to feel again, I got this longing for my family; but it took a long time before I could hear from them. Years. All the while the longing was growing. It was a great challenge for me to think about how I could approach these people I have neglected; but now I needed them.
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HOW WERE YOU CONNECTED WITH STONE STORIES?
When I was released from prison I started attending the same church my oldest daughter is a member of. Because I had been ministering in the prison, I thought that naturally I would have something to do in church - that God would use me on the outside as well. (Valerie had a total transformation experience in prison. Before her release she began teaching Bible Studies and leading other women to CHRIST) And He would, at just the right time and in the way He saw fit. So I attended, worshipped, and tithed - all while feeling like I may burst with the anticipation of what God had placed inside me. I felt like I needed to DO something. I stayed in contact with the chaplain from prison and one day I shared my concerns with her. Not long afterwards she connected me with Kelly Williams who allowed me to express myself through my writing. I was introduced to Stone Stories quarterly magazine. Since then my own Stone Story has been recorded for YouTube. I attended the first Stone Stories Revival where I was given the chance to speak about my journey through the healing of breast cancer.
"I am convinced that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18 KJV) I also got connected with ReDesigns. I have learned that different skill sets combined make beautiful pieces of art. I braid fabrics to make rugs.
WHAT OTHER SKILLS HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH KWM?
Because of Stone Stories I have learned the timeless art of hand making jelly. I am very good at it.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER WOMEN BEING RELEASED FROM PRISON?
To every woman being released from prison and desiring to see God's hand at work in their lives and to be of God in ways you have never imagined, you MUST trust God. He will bring it to pass. Walk through every open door the Lord opens and do not be afraid.
When I was released from prison I started attending the same church my oldest daughter is a member of. Because I had been ministering in the prison, I thought that naturally I would have something to do in church - that God would use me on the outside as well. (Valerie had a total transformation experience in prison. Before her release she began teaching Bible Studies and leading other women to CHRIST) And He would, at just the right time and in the way He saw fit. So I attended, worshipped, and tithed - all while feeling like I may burst with the anticipation of what God had placed inside me. I felt like I needed to DO something. I stayed in contact with the chaplain from prison and one day I shared my concerns with her. Not long afterwards she connected me with Kelly Williams who allowed me to express myself through my writing. I was introduced to Stone Stories quarterly magazine. Since then my own Stone Story has been recorded for YouTube. I attended the first Stone Stories Revival where I was given the chance to speak about my journey through the healing of breast cancer.
"I am convinced that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18 KJV) I also got connected with ReDesigns. I have learned that different skill sets combined make beautiful pieces of art. I braid fabrics to make rugs.
WHAT OTHER SKILLS HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH KWM?
Because of Stone Stories I have learned the timeless art of hand making jelly. I am very good at it.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER WOMEN BEING RELEASED FROM PRISON?
To every woman being released from prison and desiring to see God's hand at work in their lives and to be of God in ways you have never imagined, you MUST trust God. He will bring it to pass. Walk through every open door the Lord opens and do not be afraid.
Connecting Women with Christ Centered
Transformation Homes and Rehabilitation Centers
Transformation Homes and Rehabilitation Centers
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Julie West WORK MENTOR REDESIGNS shopredesigns.com TELL US ABOUT REDESIGNS. ReDesigns strives to give creative solutions to people and products . We were formed out of a personal need and have found that others can benefit from job skill training and the community that employment offers. We strive to offer a safe environment to assist each employee to reach full potential - that's our goal! We take an individualized approach to the making of products based on the supplies that have been given and the skill set that is taught through the making of each handmade item . |
HOW DID YOU GET CONNECTED WITH KWM?
Kelly and I met through Beacon People - an organization based out of Birmingham created to encourage each woman in their own mission . We connected deeper when she brought her children's sweet memories to be made into custom blankets . From there, our conversations grew and we realized our desires to serve others overlapped and complemented - seeing the need to encourage women of all walks of life.
WHAT DO WOMEN DO AT REDESIGN?
Women have braided for rugs, made seasonal gift items, and several have been on site working in various positions. Our next step is to position sewing and serging machines at the home where Kelly and her team will teach the art of making rounds, which will feed into several products. We plan to continue having them braid for rugs, and add loom rug making soon!
WHAT TYPE OF WORK ETHIC HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED FROM THE GIRLS?
Consistent work ethic and dependability.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL OTHER EMPLOYERS CONSIDERING MENTORING/SKILL BUILDING WITH THE LADIES FROM KWM?
It is a broadened range of opportunity for us to teach and encourage - everyone has the ability to contribute. Many women lack confidence and skill set - these are both things that can be encouraged through working with a person's hands and seeing a finished product! Consider what area your business can use help in. Pray about the connection. Create healthy boundaries, but be open to new territory when it comes to skill training .
Give it a try - it is a process with great opportunities to encourage and empower others.
Kelly and I met through Beacon People - an organization based out of Birmingham created to encourage each woman in their own mission . We connected deeper when she brought her children's sweet memories to be made into custom blankets . From there, our conversations grew and we realized our desires to serve others overlapped and complemented - seeing the need to encourage women of all walks of life.
WHAT DO WOMEN DO AT REDESIGN?
Women have braided for rugs, made seasonal gift items, and several have been on site working in various positions. Our next step is to position sewing and serging machines at the home where Kelly and her team will teach the art of making rounds, which will feed into several products. We plan to continue having them braid for rugs, and add loom rug making soon!
WHAT TYPE OF WORK ETHIC HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED FROM THE GIRLS?
Consistent work ethic and dependability.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL OTHER EMPLOYERS CONSIDERING MENTORING/SKILL BUILDING WITH THE LADIES FROM KWM?
It is a broadened range of opportunity for us to teach and encourage - everyone has the ability to contribute. Many women lack confidence and skill set - these are both things that can be encouraged through working with a person's hands and seeing a finished product! Consider what area your business can use help in. Pray about the connection. Create healthy boundaries, but be open to new territory when it comes to skill training .
Give it a try - it is a process with great opportunities to encourage and empower others.
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Rachel Morse WORK MENTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER, S&S GRAPHICS; RACHELBROOKSDESIGN WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS DO YOU HAVE? I work for S&S Graphics who does custom printing. I also have an Etsy store called RachelBrooksDesign where I sell custom art work . |
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT TESS DOES FOR YOUR ETSY STORE AND S&S.
I just love to be creative. And Etsy provides an outlet for me to do that and sell the things that I create all around the world without leaving my office. The shop is growing every day. Thanks to all the help I have from Tess. Once I have the art ready for printing, Tess begins the production process. From printing, pressing, packaging, and shipping. She handles each and every order. And does so with great detail. She is wonderful at meeting quality standards. She takes her time on each print to make sure they are exactly how they are supposed to be. She has learned so much about the possibilities that are out there for someone with a creative eye (which she has). She has learned computer skills, printer skills, communication skills, and so much more!
RACHEL, TELL US HOW YOU WERE INTRODUCED TO TESS.
I met Tess through KWM life skills work program.
WHAT KIND OF EMPLOYEE HAS TESS BEEN?
Wonderful! She is a very hard worker and she truly cares about each task she's given. I felt honored that God placed me in a position to mentor her, but in turn I have been blessed tremendously!
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH THIS PROCESS?
Oh where do I start? No matter where we come from or where we've been we are all the same. It is the Love of God running through us that heals and sets us free, transforming our lives completely.
WHAT WOULD YOU YOU TELL OTHER EMPLOYERS CONSIDERING MENTORING/ EMPLOYING OTHER WOMEN COMING THROUGH THE PROGRAM?
I would highly recommend it. I was excited but really had no idea the depths of what God would show me through the process. Please do not pass up the opportunity to let God use you in your workplace, and get ready to be blessed!
I just love to be creative. And Etsy provides an outlet for me to do that and sell the things that I create all around the world without leaving my office. The shop is growing every day. Thanks to all the help I have from Tess. Once I have the art ready for printing, Tess begins the production process. From printing, pressing, packaging, and shipping. She handles each and every order. And does so with great detail. She is wonderful at meeting quality standards. She takes her time on each print to make sure they are exactly how they are supposed to be. She has learned so much about the possibilities that are out there for someone with a creative eye (which she has). She has learned computer skills, printer skills, communication skills, and so much more!
RACHEL, TELL US HOW YOU WERE INTRODUCED TO TESS.
I met Tess through KWM life skills work program.
WHAT KIND OF EMPLOYEE HAS TESS BEEN?
Wonderful! She is a very hard worker and she truly cares about each task she's given. I felt honored that God placed me in a position to mentor her, but in turn I have been blessed tremendously!
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH THIS PROCESS?
Oh where do I start? No matter where we come from or where we've been we are all the same. It is the Love of God running through us that heals and sets us free, transforming our lives completely.
WHAT WOULD YOU YOU TELL OTHER EMPLOYERS CONSIDERING MENTORING/ EMPLOYING OTHER WOMEN COMING THROUGH THE PROGRAM?
I would highly recommend it. I was excited but really had no idea the depths of what God would show me through the process. Please do not pass up the opportunity to let God use you in your workplace, and get ready to be blessed!
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Tess TESS TELL US ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY. I have worked off and on as a waitress. TELL US ABOUT THE LAST FEW YEARS OF YOUR LIFE. I was in prison for 21 months, was out on parole two months and caught new charges, was sent back to prison for 9 months, got out and knew if I didn't get some help I would go right back to the streets. My PO Officer took me to The Transformation Home in Tupelo. |
WHAT IS THE TRANSFORMATION HOME?
"The Transformation Home, is a place that takes in women coming out of prison, addiction, or any broken situation and gives them stability, Jesus, and a new way oflife. For me it has been a total life changer. I am learning how to live, work, and manage everyday life without drugs. Through the home, I have gotten a full time job, and a personal relationship with Jesus. I will forever be thankful for that."
HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT GETTING A FULL TIME JOB?
I was so nervous. I hadn't held a steady job all of my adult life. I was trying to learn how to live and deal with life without drugs and a full time job brings a whole new set of stress to deal with.
HOW DID YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?
Through KWM.
WHEN DID YOU CONNECT WITH KWM?
I met Kelly in jail, when she would come in to do ministry with us there, before I went to prison. When my parole officer dropped me at The Transformation Home Kelly was there.
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH RACHEL AND THE GUYS AT S&S?
It is better than I could have ever hoped for. I feel really supported and valued. I have learned so much! Not just about work but about life. I have thisjailhouse mentality like I can't trust anyone and they have helped me learn I can trust again.
"The Transformation Home, is a place that takes in women coming out of prison, addiction, or any broken situation and gives them stability, Jesus, and a new way oflife. For me it has been a total life changer. I am learning how to live, work, and manage everyday life without drugs. Through the home, I have gotten a full time job, and a personal relationship with Jesus. I will forever be thankful for that."
HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT GETTING A FULL TIME JOB?
I was so nervous. I hadn't held a steady job all of my adult life. I was trying to learn how to live and deal with life without drugs and a full time job brings a whole new set of stress to deal with.
HOW DID YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?
Through KWM.
WHEN DID YOU CONNECT WITH KWM?
I met Kelly in jail, when she would come in to do ministry with us there, before I went to prison. When my parole officer dropped me at The Transformation Home Kelly was there.
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH RACHEL AND THE GUYS AT S&S?
It is better than I could have ever hoped for. I feel really supported and valued. I have learned so much! Not just about work but about life. I have thisjailhouse mentality like I can't trust anyone and they have helped me learn I can trust again.
Imparting through the entire cycle the importance of sharing what we have learned with others.
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