Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Tinley.
Kelly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I myself am in recovery and I have personally sat in jail wondering how could life possibly get worse? I have come to learn that addiction ends in one of three ways, being locked up, covered up or sobered up. I have since lost family members and countless friends to the disease of addiction. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Worker in 2008 and I have worked in numerous treatment facilities. I found that without the power of Christ, we were simply “drying people out”. The relapse rate and rate of recidivism are astronomical. Rock Bottom Ranch was born out of a recognition of the drug epidemic and inevitable incarceration associated with this lifestyle. Myself and the other founders of the “Ranch”, Tesne Davis, Nima West, and Lori Wolf have all made it our life’s mission to provide a safe, loving transitional home for women exiting incarceration to break free from the bondage of addiction and find freedom in Christ. We started the “Ranch” in August of 2018 by purchasing the property with an anonymous donation of $20,000.00. We began remodeling and renovating the existing buildings through a partnership with local churches, businesses and individuals to “sponsor” each room to be painted, decorated and furnished. Watching the Lord work through the body of Christ has been one of the most encouraging and inspiring experiences of my life. We have transformed this old run-down building into a warm, and peaceful home for women to grow their relationship in Christ. We are currently interviewing women from prisons and jails all around Texas. Our program is a 12-month program in which the women will participate in Bible studies, 12 step recovery, anger management, individual counseling, post-abortion healing, job skills preparedness, life skills, GED classes, financial education, cooking, spiritual guidance, art therapy, equine therapy and much more. We have just rented a location that we are planning on opening a retail store/coffee shop and diner that our residents will work in and run. This enables them to gain a variety of job skills and build a resume for future employment. Eventually, we plan on opening a Rock Bottom Ranch home for men exiting incarceration as well. We have big dreams, and hope to change the face of our community!
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. We are learning as we go. The Lord is stretching and growing us along the way. One of the most difficult things is securing funding and asking for donations. I do a lot of speaking and presenting to church groups and businesses and we are so grateful to our donors and sponsors along the way. Trusting God and His timing has been an amazing experience for me. Believing in our mission and being passionate about helping others has helped in finding partners and donors. The entire thing has been a real labor of love.
Alright – so let’s talk about your company. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
We are a transitional recovery home for women who are exiting incarceration and who have struggled with addictions. We are unique in that we have a heart for the incarcerated. Some of my favorite people were in prison, Jesus, Paul, Peter to name a few. We feel strongly that once you have paid your dues back to society, that you should be afforded another chance. Unfortunately, most of these individuals are categorized as felons and cannot find a job or a place to live. They go back to what they know best, the streets and drugs. Within no time, they are rearrested and back in the system. We want to offer these women an opportunity for true transformation through the love of Jesus. For me, one of the things we are most proud of is our Christian values and we believe this sets us apart as well.
• We value the authority of the Bible and we are committed to use it to affirm God’s direction for our ministry and the lives of those we are helping.
• We value the local church body and support it with our attendance, participation, and tithes.
• We value stewardship of God’s people who so generously support this ministry with their donations and pledges.
• We value the spiritual discipline of prayer, fasting, and Bible study as we strive to practice and teach personal daily intimacy with Christ.
• We value strong leadership and train our staff, volunteers and RBR residents to serve with confidence.
• We value Christian education, discipleship, and spiritual growth.
• We value reaching out to the spiritually and economically poor, through our no-cost programs.
• We value innovation, creativity, and excellence in our RBR leadership and staff.
• We value integrity, credibility, and unity in ourselves and in our Christian community.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
This is a tough one. I guess I would have to say that I am most proud to be a part of this amazing team of women that God has built, “The Women on the Rock.” We each serve a purpose in this Ministry as well as in the body of Christ. I am just glad to be in on what God has going on! To God goes all the Glory!
Contact Info:
- Address: Rock Bottom Ranch
3099 N US HWY 287
Palestine, Tx 75803 - Website: www.rockbottomranch.org
- Phone: 9037272550
- Email: kellytinley@rockbottomranch.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenontherock
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