Carl Flowers created Oasis Community Development Center Substance Abuse Class to help people with a drug and alcohol addiction, by helping them develop a spiritual connection with God.

Inspiration for the class came about from Flowers’ own dealings with drug and alcohol addiction. After receiving help to leave that part of his life behind he learned from it.

“I had a cocaine addiction but I have been free for 23 years now, thanks to the power of God,” Flowers said.

While Flowers dealt with his addiction, he moved from his native state of Michigan to Pearl River County, Mississippi. Once he arrived in Picayune in 1995, he became acquainted with members of Trinity Outreach Ministries and has been there ever since. Today, Flowers is a commissioned apostle and licensed senior pastor, a published author and director of Oasis CDC.

“I just have a burning desire and passion to help anyone who is struggling with addiction,” Flowers said.

The Oasis CDC program began in 2012. Through a partnership with the Mississippi Department of Corrections and Jacob’s Well Recovery Center, Flowers now has the opportunity to help individuals who have encountered an addiction with drugs and alcohol.

Oasis CDC is staffed seven days of the week, so those seeking help can find it at any given time, Flowers said.

To be a member of Oasis CDC, the applicant must be at least 17-years-old, undergo an interview and agree to all the rules and expectations of the program. The program is free to everyone.

The faith-based program also offers services such as a daycare to participants, transportation to Oasis CDC, anger management classes, youth mentoring for those with parents dealing with addictions and GED preparedness classes. The program also provides counseling and intervention to those who need it.

The program consists of a six-month curriculum where individuals receive help in order get out of toxic relationships so they can go back to loving their life, their marriage, their family and ultimately, make a difference in the community, Flowers said.

“Our mission is to break the cycle of crime and poverty for children of prisoners, at-risk children and adults in Southern Mississippi through outreach that provides mentoring, camping and educational programs,” Flowers said. “I ultimately believe if a person has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, they will change into a better person. By putting Jesus first in your life and being dedicated to him, anyone can overcome anything.”

Later this year, Flowers hopes to set up a drug prevention program where teenagers will not only learn the impact drugs can have on their life, but also on their friends and loved ones.

“Currently there are not any programs in place to help… educate (our youth )… about the epidemic of substance abuse in our community,” Flowers said. “In 2018, we hope to reach and educate our youth about the ongoing problem we have with substance abuse in our community.”

Oasis CDC is located at 502 Jarrell St. in Picayune and can be contacted at (601) 799-1744. Visit the website at www.oasisarrm.com.