The inaugural Casey Jones Shamrock 5K Run was held March 16, with a start time of 8:30 a.m. The course ran through downtown La Plata. The proceeds from the event went to the JP Home, a place where newly sober alcoholics can be given a chance at obtaining long term sobriety. The mission of The J.P. Home is “to provide home-like environment for alcoholics who have a sincere desire to recover from alcoholism; to provide food, housing, information, fellowship and the sharing of spiritual values, which is part of the recovery.” Following the race, a buffet was provided by Casey Jones and awards were given for top qualifiers of the 5K run. In addition, a prize was awarded for the best St. Patrick’s Day costume. Entry fees were $30 until Feb. 28 and $35 after that.
Each registered participant received a race shirt. When registered online a Special edition, moisture-observing shirts were available for $22. On the day of the event, registration began at 7 a.m. “ The most critical time for any newly sober alcoholic (or any addict for that matter) is the first day, week and even months out of Rehab or Treatment Facility, like a Detox Center, which we currently do not have here in Charles County. The disease of alcoholism affects the mind, body and soul. Once we remove the alcohol from our system for a period of time the physical cravings (body) go away, but we are left with the mental obsession of drinking (mind) and have no inner spiritual strength (soul) to rely on to fight off that first drink, which leads us back to starting all over again,” Dough Hughes said, Secretary of JP Home.
The JP Home is 50% financially ready to begin seeking to fund a home in Charles County, MD. Their vision is to have enough funds available by March or April to start looking for a property to lease and by June or July they hope to have a home secured. The concept and structure of “The J.P. Home” is modeled on that of “The Men’s Home,” which is located in Alexandria, VA. This year is celebrating its 62nd year of helping the newly recovering alcoholic return to a useful place in the community. “We [The Board of Directors of The J.P. Home] would like to give the opportunity of continuous, long term sobriety to men here in Charles County, and thus started the J.P. Home. We are hoping to open our doors early this summer and have been working on this since the end of 2011. We do not take financial aid from any local, state or federal [government] programs. We have been financed solely through private donations from individuals and local businesses, such as Casey Jones, which is doing the 5K walk/run,” Hughes said. With the help of the community and generous donations, The J.P. Home will become a much-needed facility for alcoholics seeking help, and hopes to be around for years to come.
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