Transforming Lives: Johnston County woman’s recovery journey and benefit for the community

SELMA, N.C. (WNCN) — Tisha Temple says she had a positive upbringing in Vance County.

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“I played piano, played trumpet, I was on student council, I was a cheerleader, I made great grades, and I had wonderful friends,” said Temple.   

Until a bachelorette party at 26 years old changed the trajectory of Temple’s life when she was introduced to drugs and cigarettes.

“Within 6 months, I had completely abandoned my children, walked away from my home, and was living in the cold, lonely streets,” she said.   

Tisha says she spent 10 years battling drug addiction, among other things. She says she spent those years in and out of prison until July 2014.

“That is the last time I tasted substances. I have been living in long-term recovery,” she said.   

She spent years getting her life together and rebuilding relationships with family. 

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Today, she is the CEO of Recovery Alive Homes in Johnston County.  It’s a faith-based facility for those fighting addiction — offering accountability and so much more.  

A new report by the Fletcher Group Economic Calculator estimates that Recovery Alive Homes generated $24.9 million in total community benefit over four years in Johnston County alone.

“We’ve been working hard since December 2021 to see these kinds of results, and I do believe this is just the beginning,” said Recovery Alive President & Founder John Eklund.   

The Fletcher Group report reveals $4.5 million in direct public system savings, along with reducing criminal justice and healthcare costs.

“We want churches to be that source of hope and help,” Eklund.   

He says they have been providing a safe place for people to live while recovering from Substance Use Disorder. Eklund says the most powerful finding from the report was the estimated social value associated with reduced premature death and improved quality-of-life outcomes for individuals and families affected by recovery. 

“And today I get to wake up and pour out hope and love and watch people thrive because they’re choosing to stay sober one day at a time,” said Temple.   

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You can learn more about the program and report by going here.