President, Author, and Logistics Professional- James S Horkey
BIO: Husband to Karen, father of two, and working in manufacturing logistics. I was addicted to alcohol and cocaine for 26 years. In my fourth treatment center in Hunt, Texas, I discovered my truth and, in a moment of clarity, finally understood the disease concept. That being said, whenever I ingest alcohol or drugs, the reaction within me is unlike others that can socially drink or experiment with drugs. The reaction I have makes me want to have more, even knowing the consequences and outcome of my next run. My understanding is that over time, my dependence on the need to feel better by using only increased, and on my power alone, I am not able to stop or moderate, in fact. Now 24 years sober, if I were to pick up again, I would have the same reaction and end up helpless and hopeless again.
When I understood the disease and knew in my heart I had the disease, I had to admit that I was beyond human aid. With that, I started on the road to recovery, and within 6 weeks of being as thorough and honest as I could, I completed the 12 steps. The obsession was removed, and by being active in a 12-step program, sponsoring others, and carrying the message to hospitals and institutions, I “recovered” from the disease. I have since moved into spiritual growth, as healing is dependent on my spiritual condition.
There is to this day no cure for this fatal disease, but you can be supernaturally healed by God and stay healed if you stay close to him and give up on your old way of living.
Living in my vehicle at a public rest area in Round Rock, Texas, before I went to treatment, I was still homeless when I got out. Having interviewed for an opening at an Oxford House in Austin, TX, I still needed to wait for an opening. Going into transitional living provided support in shelter, getting off the street, and being around others who were on the same path.
Creating this foundation is a tangible step in my dream to help others have a chance to transform their lives from being in recovery to being recovered.
You can find more on my testimony by reading From My Own Prison to Redemption Healing for the Wounded
Vice President, Medical Professional: Cheyann Jamison
BIO: Cheyann is a mother of two and married to a wonderful man, Victor. They reside in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Cheyann graciously accepted this position to assist in the foundation's purpose by being available to assist in the application process, interview candidates and family members, correspond with transitional living coordinators at treatment centers, and arrange monthly check-ins with sober house managers. Cheyann has never had this disease, but in her family, she has seen what the disease has done to others and especially those affected by others who have the disease and the mental illness that can be a result of prolonged use as well. Cheyann will also be responsible for documenting the board meeting minutes and keeping all records in retention.
Treasurer, Medical Professional: Karen Horkey
BIO: Karen, mother of four and now married to James, is the most compassionate person I know. She too has never had this disease but, from a mother’s perspective, has been impacted by the power this disease has on others. Her compassion and kindness had set her up in a common trap to be an enabler and to own or try to fix others’ problems. This disease affects everyone, and there came a point where Karen had to heal from the wounds the disease caused. She fearlessly went through Alanon and Celebration Recovery, and with God on her side and spiritual growth, she now enjoys a daily reprieve from the insanity of what the disease does to family and friends. Karen’s role will be to issue the payments for expenses, services, and transitional living homes and keep the transactions ledger for audit purposes. Karen will also be available to talk with mothers and siblings of those affected by their loved one’s disease to share the hope and peace that our God can provide.
The board of directors was developed intentionally to have members that know this fatal disease. We look forward to being able to assist in subsidizing the ever-increasing cost of transitional living and provide Community SERVE projects.