Hope Recovery Center sets sights on opening in Rayne

RAYNE – Hope Recovery Center in Rayne hopes to be open by the end of October.
Located at the former Rayne-Branch Hospital building on South Chevis Street, HRC will be a 40-bed residential retreat center for men recovering from addition. The unique program combines Christian spirituality and Medicaid-funded intensive outpatient therapy, according to Ravi Kamath, treasurer of the Christian 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.
Speaking to his fellow Rotarians, Kamath said HRC is a 4-acre, 4,500-square-foot facility being renovated as a free, Christian residential retreat center for male addicts.
“We will offer a Biblical, 12-step discipleship program to form a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, coupled with intensive outpatient therapy provided by partner Solutions Recovery Center,” Kamath said. “The program includes vocational training via partnership with vo-tech schools and local businesses.”
Tim Cormier of Rayne is the founder and president of the ministry and is well aware of the trials and tribulations of addiction.
According to Kamath, after 23 years in Christian ministry as a pastor and evangelist, a life-shattering event caused Cormier to abandon his faith.
“His struggle with depression and insomnia led to an addiction to crystal meth and, within a few months, he was a drug dealer,” Kamath told Rotarians. “But the Lord has restored what addiction, sin and Satan destroyed in his life.”
He started a Facebook page called ‘methaddictshelp’ in 2014 and he now has nearly 140,000 followers.
Kamath is the co-founder, treasurer and member of the board of directors or the ministry. Born in Bombay, India, and raised a nominal Hindu, Kamath came to the United States in 1986 and had a successful 27-year business career in investment banking and asset management, but said he was in spiritual despair with suicidal thoughts numbed by drugs.
He was “radically saved” at the age of 49, co-founding the HRC ministry shortly thereafter.
HRC is under renovation with Phase I covering 1,800 square feet. Projects include installation / upgrade of sprinkler and fire alarm systems, emergency and exit lighting, along with upgrades to air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, carpeting, painting and landscaping.
“We anticipate receiving Phase I Certificate of Occupancy in late October,” Kamath said.
“Phase II includes office space for lease to medical providers and a drug testing facility, which will provide rental income,” he said, adding that a local medical corporation has expressed interest in the office space.
Phase III has potential for “sober living” arrangements, according to Kamath.
Kamath told Rotarians that about 45 million Americans – 16.5 percent of the population – use illicit drugs or have alcohol use disorder.
“Only about 12 percent of addicts have received treatment at a special facility,” he said.