MOREHEAD CITY — A retired drug detective wants to help women struggling with drug and alcohol addictions.
Tami Thomas, who was a county drug diversion detective, has opened the thrift store, The MirIAM’s Treasures, as the first major step in opening a nonprofit, faith-based women’s detox and rehabilitation center. The thrift store is at 4050 Suite 1 on Arendell Street in the Four Poster Shops.
Ms. Thomas said the name MirIAM combines the Biblical name Miriam with the capitalized letters IAM, which represents one of the Biblical names of God given to Moses in the Book of Exodus.
Ms. Thomas retired in September 2015 as a detective after 30 years in law enforcement with many of those dealing with drug-related crimes. She said she’s had the vision for a local women’s detox and rehab center for several years.
“There probably isn’t a family in this county that hasn’t been touched in some way by a family member or loved one struggling with drug or alcohol addiction,” she said. “In all my years in law enforcement I’ve never met a drug addict who started out that way. There have been a lot of lives lost, and in many cases I’ve wondered what these women could have been if they had gotten the proper help and support they needed.”
Ms. Thomas said she has organized a board of directors and obtained nonprofit status for The MirIAM, as the nonprofit ministry is called.
“We are currently negotiating for a piece of property with buildings on it that will be perfect,” she said, adding she preferred not to give the location to protect the future women who will be served at the facility. “I’ve already been contacted by several women asking if they could come for help.”
She plans to first rent the property, with the goal of eventually purchasing.
Ms. Thomas said the plan for The MirIAM has four basic parts: the thrift store; a detox house; a rehab house for women to receive counseling and support services; and a fish farm and garden on the site to raise fish and vegetables to help support the ministry.
Ms. Thomas said she already has a medical doctor, Dr. Eric Troyer of Charlotte, who specializes in drug addiction treatment, as well as a local physician’s assistant, Dr. David Bertrand, who have agreed to oversee the detox part of the program.
She’s also put together a team of drug counselors and professionals who have agreed to work with the women in various life skills areas, including finance, Biblical counseling, education, job skills, and in many cases, parenting and family skills.
The women’s family members will also receive counseling as needed.
Once the facility is open, she said volunteers will be needed to assist with various roles, including grounds keepers, mechanics and Bible teachers.
She also currently needs volunteers to work at the thrift store, which is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Donations for the thrift store are encouraged, but clothes are not accepted because she doesn’t have the space or manpower.
The thrift store accepts furniture, lamps, household items, crafts and books.
There are also artisans who are creating woodcarvings and other items to sell in the store.
The ministry is accepting tax-deductible donations.
A website, themiriam.org, and two Facebook pages are available for those wanting more information.
Tax-deductible donations can be made on the website, or checks can be mailed to The MirIAM, P.O. Box 162, Morehead City, N.C. 28557.
Those interested in volunteering will find an application available online, or they can come by the store.
Those admitted to The MirIAM will also be required to fill out an application in the future.
Those wanting more information can go the website or Facebook pages: themiriamtreasures or themiriam; email themiriamwomen@gmail.com; or call Ms. Thomas at 252-725-3030.
Contact Cheryl Burke at 252-726-7081, ext. 255; email Cheryl@thenewstimes.com; or follow on Twitter @cherylccnt.
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