From Incarceration to Employment: - Jones’s Success Story

From Incarceration to Employment:

By Amy Cruz Gardens of Hope RCO Certified Peer Specialist Parent/Case Manager

Editor’s Note: Gardens of Hope Recovery Community Organization (RCO) is sharing this narrative as a testament to the work being done in our area regarding addiction, and to highlight local success stories.

One year ago, I came across a post on Facebook shared by Toombs County Crime, a familiar page in our community known for publicizing recent arrests. The photo accompanying the post was of a woman named Dana — a name and face not unfamiliar to the page. She had appeared there more than once, her life marked by a painful struggle with alcoholism.

This particular image stood out: a broken woman, overwhelmed by her disease, her eyes silently pleading for help. It was a cry that, though not audible, echoed with deep desperation. At that moment, I added her to my prayer list — hoping, somehow, she would find the help she needed.

Time passed, and Dana found herself back in jail. But this time, something changed.

Recognizing that incarceration alone cannot treat the disease of addiction, Captain Amanda Brown of our local law enforcement took a different approach. She reached out to our organization, believing Dana deserved a real opportunity at recovery. When I heard her name, I immediately remembered the post. Craig George visited her in jail shortly after, and during that conversation, Dana expressed a desire to change her life. And he decided to give her that chance!

She was accepted into the Addiction Recovery Center (ARC), a women’s inpatient program designed to help individuals understand and manage their addiction. Since her arrival, Dana has been actively engaging in her recovery — learning about her disease, gaining practical tools for sober living, and beginning the hard work of healing. She’s learning leadership, serving her community, and, perhaps most importantly, learning to love herself again.

Within her first 30 days at ARC, Dana also connected with Gardens of Hope to explore employment services. On one visit, we encouraged her to apply for a position with the City of Lyons. Initially, she hesitated. She didn’t believe a city she once disrupted would welcome her back — much less offer her a job. But what she didn’t yet realize was that our city leaders, including our City Manager, Jason Hall, are strong advocates for recovery and firm believers in second chances.

Dana applied — and she was hired.

Today, she has been employed with the City of Lyons for almost 3 months. Her supervisors consistently praise her strong work ethic, compassionate spirit, and unwavering determination. Her transformation is a testament to the power of community, support, and belief in redemption.

Dana is living proof that recovery is possible. While she understands her journey with addiction is lifelong, she now walks that path with a supportive village beside her — cheering her on, holding her accountable, and reminding her of her strength. Dana is someone’s daughter. Someone’s mother. Someone’s friend. What she needed most was for someone to believe in her — especially when she couldn't believe in herself. That one chance changed everything.

Today, I am incredibly proud of the woman she is becoming. She has broken free from the chains of addiction, transforming fear into strength, and despair into hope.

May God continue to bless Dana and all those who walk this road to recovery. Transformation is possible — and it begins when we choose to believe in each other.

STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION – Gardens of Hope Recovery Community Organization (RCO) Certified Peer Specialist Parent/ Case Manager recalled seeing this mugshot of Dana Jones, and being emotionally moved by her need for help.