Exploring the Power of Faith in the Midst of Healing
Meet Doris McGee, a ray of optimism and transformation at the Pines Family Campus in Valdosta, Georgia. Doris’ story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication to helping others overcome addiction. Her path to becoming a substance abuse counselor is a testament to her determination and the guiding hand of Providence. In her own words, Doris reflects on her remarkable story below.
Doris’ life before VOA Southeast
July 1998, I was living in a halfway house with women struggling with addiction. I lived there for 10 months. I began looking for a job and got a job with Behavioral Health Services in Valdosta, Georgia. I worked there for 5 years, and in the process, I realized that I wanted to be a certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I applied for a job in Adel with VOA but never got the job.
Finding Her Calling at Pines Family Campus in Valdosta, Georgia
After a few years, I was told about a substance abuse facility, The Pines Family Campus, being built in Valdosta. I met a young man working with VOA in Adel, and he told me to apply for the job at The Pines. The Pines opened in 2006, and I was hired as a counselor tech. I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor.
While working at The Pines, God provided an opportunity through VOA for all staff interested in becoming certified to receive the hours, and VOA paid for the certification. By the grace of God, I passed the test. I went back to school and obtained my degree in Psychology (Christian Counseling). I resigned from The Pines in 2016 to work with juveniles. I was not content, so I got back into the substance abuse field and started working at the methadone clinic. In 2022, I was asked to come back to The Pines, and honestly, I was so happy I asked if I could start that same day.
Doris’ Mission to Spread the Word of God
I strive every day to tell the women about God and the truth about addiction. I share with them how God turned my life around and if they believe God will do the same for them. I encourage the women to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and He is waiting on them no matter what they have done or did not do. I am a Poet and a Minister of the Gospel. The poems are about my struggle with addiction, how God used those poems to speak to my heart and share my story. VOA is very special to me because I have the freedom to share about the love of Jesus Christ. I will continue to share with the women how the love of Jesus will empower them to be successful in life because recovery is a lifestyle.
Doris’ unwavering commitment to faith and her journey of personal growth serve as a source of inspiration for those she encounters. Through her dedication, she not only helps individuals overcome addiction but also instills in them the belief in the power of redemption and the transformative love of Jesus Christ.