For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Hall
Hope Center Ministries
Phone: 919-210-4421
Email: m.hall@hopecm.com
From Addiction to Restoration: “Beyond the Blind” Draws Community to Support
Recovery Efforts
Press release written by Kelly Blanchard on behalf of Hope Center Ministries.
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — On Thursday evening, 1,000 people filled the auditorium at Johnston
Community College for Beyond the Blind, a faith-centered gathering that blended worship,
personal testimony, and civic messaging around addiction recovery, workforce reintegration, and
community restoration.
Hosted by Hope Center Ministries, a Christian recovery housing nonprofit, the event drew
church congregations, business leaders, elected officials, recovery advocates, and families from
across eastern North Carolina. The keynote speaker, Jase Robertson, known nationally for his
role on the television series Duck Dynasty, delivered a message centered on redemption,
perseverance, and faith as a pathway to personal transformation.
The evening opened with a prerecorded address from Gov. Josh Stein, who framed the
gathering within the state’s broader response to the opioid epidemic. North Carolina, he said, is
projected to receive roughly $1.5 billion over 18 years through national opioid settlement
agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. The funds are designated for
treatment, recovery services, prevention programs, and community resilience initiatives.
Stein also noted the advocacy work of North Carolina’s first lady, Anna Stein, who has promoted
awareness of mental health challenges and support resources for families affected by
substance use disorder. Organizers said the event was intended not only as a worship gathering
but also as a demonstration of how faith-based organizations collaborate with employers, civic
leaders, and public agencies to support recovery and economic stability.
Hope Center Ministries leaders outlined the organization’s expanding footprint across the
region. The ministry operates residential recovery homes in Wayne and Harnett counties, as
well as a women’s recovery center in Johnston County. Plans are underway to construct a new
men’s facility in Selma’s Eastfield development, designed to combine structured recovery
housing with employment pathways and life-skills training.
“These homes represent more than housing,” speakers emphasized throughout the evening.
“They provide structure, spiritual support, and a pathway to restored lives and meaningful
employment.”
Mr. Robertson’s remarks echoed that theme, focusing on faith, accountability, and the possibility
of new beginnings. He encouraged attendees to look beyond present hardships and invest in
restoring individuals and families affected by addiction.
The program also included video testimonies from recovery participants and ministry partners
who described the role churches and volunteers play in mentorship, transportation, job
connections, and spiritual guidance.
Mark Hall, vice president of partner relationships for Hope Center Ministries, said the breadth of
support reflected a shared responsibility.
“Recovery is not a journey meant to be walked alone,” Mr. Hall said. “When
churches, businesses, and community leaders come together, we create pathways
to restoration, dignity, and purpose for men and women seeking a new beginning.”
Local pastors and civic leaders described faith communities as a critical support infrastructure,
particularly in rural areas where access to services can be limited. According to the 2020 U.S.
Religion Census, roughly 39 percent of Johnston County residents are affiliated with religious
congregations, making churches one of the largest community networks in the region.
Organizers emphasized that collaboration among faith communities, nonprofit organizations,
employers, and government leaders is essential to addressing workforce shortages, substance
use recovery and long-term community resilience.
For many in attendance, the evening was as much about unity as it was about recovery.
Families lingered after the program, greeting neighbors, embracing ministry graduates, and
exchanging contact information with volunteers and employers — small acts of connection that,
organizers said, form the foundation of long-term restoration.
Hope Center Ministries officials said they plan to continue expanding recovery housing and
workforce development initiatives as community partnerships grow across the US.
Photos from Left to Right:
Jase Robertson of Duck Commander addresses the crowd at Johnston Community College during the Beyond the Blind event hosted by Hope Center Ministries.
Prior to the program, VIP guests lined up for a meet-and-greet with Jase Robertson at the Beyond the Blind event hosted by Hope Center Ministries at Johnston Community College.
Jase Robertson of Duck Commander poses with Kelly Blanchard of Four Oaks, and her sons, Braelyn and Rylen, during the VIP meet-and-greet before the Beyond the Blind event hosted by Hope Center Ministries — with the boys proudly holding their stuffed Duck Commander duck toys signed by Robertson.