A simple conversation between Richard Barber, and Dr. Ron Kirkland during the opening of a new facility at Aspell Recovery Center led to The Foundation’s announcement of a new women’s dorm – The Kirkland House – Friday.
“We opened Life House (May 17, 2019) and Ron (Kirkland) told me, ‘I just talked to Carl Kirkland, and he told me ‘if we build another building, and you secure a grant, Carl and Alice want to help,'” Barber said.
Barber is the executive director of Aspell Recovery Center and Ron Kirkland is a board member and a cousin of Carl.
“Ron and I both teared up,” Barber said, “If you’re not involved in non-profits, you don’t realize how difficult it is to raise money for a mission for people, who for so many times are looked down on.”
“I’ve worked in treatment for over 30 years and this board, the community involvement and the generosity of the people like the Kirkland family, is what has allowed us to go from treating about 100 people a year for substance abuse disorders to over 400 last year.”
Founded in 1979 by two recovering alcoholics, Bob Aspell and Charles Gay, Aspell Recovery Center is a substance abuse treatment center – alcohol and drugs – where residential and outpatient treatment plans are available – as well as transitional housing.
Barber said it would not be possible for the campus to grow without the donation from the Kirkland family.
“We couldn’t do that – there is no way – we could have done that, or be able to expand the services even further without the Kirkland family,” Barber said, “We are humbled by your generosity … I don’t have adequate words to say … every life has value.”
Carl Kirkland said he could relate to the work Aspell Recovery Services provides.
“Carol and Ron Kirkland and Alice and I – in our early childhood – went through some of the problems with alcoholism with our parents, and we understand the issues that the people here are involved in, and what Richard (Barber) and his board fight for every day.
“We are very appreciative of the opportunity to do something to help the women who are dealing with these issues. We think we understand the problem a little bit, and we are happy to help if we can.”
The 3,800-square-foot Kirkland House will provide accommodations for 12 women.
(PHOTO: From left, Richard Barber – executive director of Aspell Recovery Center – Steve Bowers, board chair, Carl and Alice Kirkland, board member Dr. Ron Kirkland, Dr. Jim Price and board member Tammy Hardee)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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