Hands of Hope is a program celebrating its efforts to support local moms on their recovery journey.
The group, sponsored by the Metro Drug Coalition, held their first Christmas party for the mentors and mentees Thursday afternoon to help mothers in recovery and their families.
"Addiction can be a struggle for families. They may have lost someone or there may be extra stressors wondering what to get for presents for their families and we are really thankful we can spread some holiday cheer," said Deborah Crouse with MDC.
Julie Thurmer is one of the mentors. After battling addiction for years, she decided to turn her life around.
"It's opened up my eyes to see that there are other women out there willing to help me and by me helping others it helps ground me in recovery," Thurmer said.
She has helped several moms in their recovery journey through this program.
"It's awesome to be able to walk with them in the process and see their personality and perspective of the world change and their self-esteem grow and them believe in themselves again," Thurmer said.
For her, it's motivating because she remembers what it was like to be in their shoes.
"It reminds me where I was at working with a mentee and it makes me so grateful of what I have now," she added.
A local company called Axle Logistics donated presents for every mother and their children
"It's our way of giving back to the community that has really helped us and allowed us to do what we do everyday," said Ali Fraley, the company's Director of Strategic Development.
For Thurmer, it's wonderful to know her family is in a much better place now with the help from countless people who care about her.
"They are so grateful too because they went from living at a shelter with me to living at great starts for over a year to mommy having her own place and us having our own Christmas tree and our own Christmas so it brings out that gratitude to them," she said.
For more information on how you can help the Hands of Hope program grow, click here.