Begun in 2003, Lydia’s House is a non-profit transitional home for women who are trying to leave active drug addiction behind them and begin a new life.  The brainchild of Kim Barlow, a Macon native, the home has a Christian-based atmosphere and God’s love is the foundation of each day’s activities.  “ Lydia's House was created out of faith in God and pure love,” says Barlow, who stepped out on that deep faith when she left her position as counselor and administrator at River Edge Behavioral Health Center , a position she had held for seven years.

Steeped in love and hope for the addict, Lydia’s House offers so much more than just a place to lay your head.  Meetings with health care professionals and job placement assistance are just two of the many activities that make the home the only one of its kind in Macon.  The women who reside there enjoy a close-knit relationship with each other and share their hope and strength as well as the daily chores.

One of the major differences between this home and others in the state is the warm welcome new residents receive upon arrival.  “My first contact with Miss Kim was by telephone,” said one of the current residents.  “She was so loving and sweet.  She just said ‘I don’t know you but I love you.  You don’t need to bring anything; just bring yourself.”  Barlow feels that there is no better way to help someone than to show them love.

As a recovering addict herself, Barlow understands the struggles faced by those in active addiction.  With 11 years clean, she is a success story herself and is determined to help others reap the benefits of a drug-free life and a close relationship with God. 

Crack addiction is one of the more prevalent drug problems in the city.   The obsessive and compulsive qualities that accompany drug abuse make it next to impossible to quit without intervention of some kind.  “When a person is addicted to a chemical, it has full control,” stated Barlow.  “It dictates every moment of that person’s life.”  This is where Lydia’s House enters the picture.  Offered a way out of the horror of active addiction, residents gain a better understanding of their addiction as well as the foundation and means to actively seek recovery.

Barlow’s vision is to open a facility of its kind in every part of Macon in an effort to help meet the city’s need for outreach programs.  It takes dedicated, loving and spiritual individuals like Barlow to make a difference in the world and the Informer is privileged to be acquainted with her.

Although the home receives help from community partners like Center Hill Baptist Church , donations are always welcome in the way of volunteers, food, paper and household products, clothes and monetary donations.

To contact Lydia’s House for help or to bring donations, please call (478) 750 8180 or (478) 978-0938.  Monetary donations should be sent to P.O.Box 600, Macon, GA.  31202-600.  Additional information about Lydia ’s House can be found at www.pulling-it-together.org.