Brownwood Bagley's " Walking the Walk "

House of Hope
Brownwood pair runs faith-based alcohol and drug recovery program
By Celinda Emison / Reporter-News Staff Writer
April 14, 2005
BROWNWOOD - When it comes to recovery from alcohol and drugs, James and Janet Bagley have two things to offer their clients - a faith-based recovery program and hope.
''We don't turn anyone down,'' James Bagley said. ''We tell people to drop everything and start over - we're here to help.''
In 2003, with money from their own pockets, the Bagleys started The House of Deliverance, a recovery center for adult men at 405 Cordell Street in Brownwood.
Both Bagley and his wife, Janet, are employed by the Texas Youth Commission in addition to operating House of Deliverance.
The five-bedroom home located in the heart of what has been called by police the most drug-plagued area of Brownwood, can accommodate up to 10 men at a time.
''When you go to the hospital, there are doctors offices located all around it,'' said Bagley, who serves as program administrator. ''That's our thought here - we are where the sick people are.''
The Bagleys are hosting the second annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament this weekend to raise funds in hopes of expanding services by possibly adding a second house and full-time staff.
Currently, one resident is appointed to monitor the house at all times. Bagley conducts daily morning devotionals at the house and is on call in the evenings if the resident-in-charge needs assistance.
In the past two years, the Bagleys have helped more than 30 clients from 18 to 72 years of age. The 72-year-old man had been addicted to crack cocaine. Others who come to the home have alcohol problems, as well as addictions to methamphetamine and heroin.
''The Christ component to HOD (House of Deliverance) is very important,'' said James Bagley, who says he wants to change the labels that are placed on people dealing with addiction.
The Rev. Aaron Blake, and the Greater Faith Community Church, support the House of Deliverance by ministering to the clients. James Bagley serves as a deacon of the church.
''Our church ministry provides a holistic approach to the spirit, soul and the body,'' Blake said. ''What the Bagleys are doing with the men will change not only the mental, but also minister to the spirit of the man and translate into the healing of the body.''
Brian Barberena, 23, of Fort Worth, has been living at the House of Deliverance since last July. Barberena started using heroin with friends at the age of 17. He's been to at least four treatment facilities for drug addiction.
Each time, Barberena eventually relapsed, returning to his addiction. In May, after completing treatment in Stephenville he came to Brownwood to stay in another half-way house.
He was doing well, working at a major manufacturer and attending school. But while things looked good on the outside, Barberena's demons came calling, and he relapsed using crack cocaine, and was kicked out of the half-way house.
''A friend told me about James Bagley, and I called him,'' he said. ''He (Bagley) went out of his way to take me in, and it just amazes me - he doesn't do this for any reason other than to help someone.''
Now, Barberena is one of Bagley's star residents. He's attending school to become a registered nurse. Bagley said he has seen Brian Barberena change right before his eyes.
''I will hate to see him leave because I think he has something to offer the next person that comes,'' Bagley said.
Details
What: Second annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament
When: Saturday
Where: Brownwood High School, 2100 Slayden
Entry fees: men's championship: $125; men's recreation $100; women's recreation $100; boys/girls high school $50; boys/girls junior high school $50
Contact: James Bagley (325) 998-0349
Email: jbag1933@aol.com.

Contact Brownwood staff writer Celinda Emison at (325) 641-8804 or emisonc@reporternews.com.
source:http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/nw_local/article/0,1874,ABIL_7959_3698789,00.html