The Extension Inc

A man that I know was mandated by the court to stay at the Extension to get Drug Rehab and a place to live. He was at the Extension, going to classes, and maintaining a job. He was excited to be graduating. One of the Counselors kicked him out into the street end of December 2022 for talking on his cell phone eventhough the Counselor gave him permission.
The Counselor according to NY friend became verbally abusive and threatened to meet him outside provoking a fight. What kind of drug program is this? They did not have to throw my friend out into the street. Also, the Administrators refuse to meet with my friend and family members. Unprofessional and my friend relapsed due to depression. The Extendion did not help my friend and did more harm to him by being biased and allowing a staff member to be verbally abusive to my friend.

My name is Peter Tennis, I have been in Marietta for 30 years, and have come across many, many men who have been residents at The Extension. The vast number of them have graduated and their stories still ring as the new men become acclimated to recovery in a non-judgemental and supportive environment.

When two of my business colleagues became involved in the growth of the facilities, in fund-raising and volunteering, I saw clearly their commitment and compassion for this successful residential recovery center.

As I start my 2nd year as a Member of the Board, I encourage those whose families have been touched by chronic addiction to seek help at The Extension.

In June of 2013 I entered the Extension a broken and hopeless man. 51 years old, drinking a fifth of bottom shelf whiskey every day (Until I lost my job and home), with no friends and no hope of the future getting any better for me. I had just been released from the hospital after a nearly successful overdose suicide attempt, my third in six months.
For 8 years I lived in a cheap motel room and made just enough money each day to pay a day's rent, buy a bottle and a pack of cigarettes, and if there was enough money left, to buy some food. When I could not afford food I would steal from the restaurant that I worked in. When I was fired from my job, my room was immediately forfeit, and I had nowhere to go. During the next 6 months I was in and out of different institutions and hospitals, but no one could seem to help. Every time I thought I was starting to "get it", I would end up taking another drink and the whole downward spiral would return.
I came into the Extension desperate, but not really wanting to stop drinking. I came in just looking for a bed until I could come up with the resources to attempt suicide again, but a couple of days in the atmosphere that pervades the Extension showed me that there might be hope. I decided to try to put down the bottle and improve my life, and the staff at the Extension showed me how.
My life is not perfect. Unlike some success stories you will read about, I am still struggling financially. Physical damage done to myself over the years has made it almost impossible for me to work, and I am currently disabled and barely getting by, but with the program of recovery I learned at the Extension (And a reliance upon a God of my understanding), I no longer have to try to cope with my troubles by hiding at the bottom of a bottle. My life situation may not be perfect, but I am reasonably content and no longer hate myself.
I sponsor other men in the program, I am a member in good standing at my AA clubhouse, which I have a key to and arrive early every morning to open the clubhouse for the day, and I am the secretary of my home group. The Extension gave me a desire to live and the tools to do so, as well as a spirit of service to my fellow sufferers. Life is pretty dang good!

If it wasn't for the extension my relationship with my family and fianće wouldn't have been as strong as it is today. Because of the extension they gave my fianće's his life back and made us stronger than we will ever be. This place really does make miracles happen.

This is an amazing organization that truly saves lives and heals families. The residents receive comprehensive addiction counseling, education services, financial management classes and family counseling. The organization serves both men and women, on separate campuse. They come to us after living on the streets or in the woods, and leave as sober, employed, productive members of society and reunited with their families.

Although health issues required me to complete my rehab program at another program, I had the opportunity to do my first 3 weeks at The Extension. This place is more than a rehab or shelter- it's a family.

I am forever grateful for the Extension!!! Short and sweet I am the man I was intended by god to be today!!!The extension taught and gave me a understanding of life I had never heard of!!! The Extension is my home away from home in Howell,Mi.!!!!!

The extension gave me a new life!!! I am forever grateful for what the extension taught me about life it taught me how to be a dad a son a friend and a brother!! It is truly a GOD thing and GOD lives there the staff is amazing and all of the people behind the scenes are amazing as well I will forever be indebted to the extension for saving my life!! I suggest that everyone come check out what we do on Thursday night at 6pm it's amazing and the spiritual energy and power that runs through JJ when he speaks is truly from GOD thank you to every person who has helped the extension grow I'm forever grateful!!!

I volunteer at the Women's Extension. This place is the best recovery home I have ever volunteered at in the 19 years I have been in recovery working with women. They get a well rounded program. Not only 12 step programs but counseling as well. The ladies get the chance to work on all aspects of their recovery. The volunteers that come here are awesome also.

I was a resident there for 15 months. I was a hopeless drunk who was headed for prison or death. I learned to live sober and be accountable for my decisions. You slowly become hopeful and develop an entirely new way of looking at life. 5 years later it's still the best decision I've EVER made.

Stevie F.

When I arrived @ The Extension I was homeless,broke and addicted,they took me in and It felt like home from the first day.Now I am a productive member of society instead of a burden.This place changed my life.

The Extension is a great non profit because they help people who are down and out and have no money. I am so glad that this organization is around. The environment is friendly and welcoming and the results are clear to see.

I love these people! They are saving lives 1 day at a time.

I have been here several times and the welcoming that is given is amazing. The help that anyone who wants help receives is outstanding and it is truly an amazing place to be. My brother attended this facility and has graduated and is an alumni.. He is doing well and it is from the Extensions out poor of knowledge and love.. They taught him about himself and helped him understand addiction. The extension helped us the family learn as well.. WE are eternally GRATEFUL for the Extension and everyone who has been there...

One DAY at A Time.... thank you

The Extension and the people who run the organization saved the lives of not one, but two of my sons. They were willing to give them a chance to turn their lives around and become productive citizens once again. They helped them get their lives back on track, and one of my sons to get his family back. They are now both working in full-time jobs; one of which my son owns his own business. I can't say enough great things about the Extension. The Extension can be a life-changing experience if the person wants it to be! God bless each and every one of you who have helped and cared about my boys.

I can not say enough good things about The Extension. Saved my life. Saved many of my friends life.

My youngest daughter came to the women's extension a year ago, hopeless, deeply depressed and addected to heroin. She was a frightened, brokes shell of the beautiful loving thoughtful high school graduate just four years previous. She was killing herself. I was a proud loving protective father that could no longer protect my baby girl from herself. Last night she was transitioned after a year of residence and is more of a responsible, determined, thankful woman thanks to Gods work through the extension. Once again there is hope and joy in our family and my sincere appreciation to all at the extension for preparing my baby to live a life free from the chains of addition. While I highly recommend the extension for their purpose, I am now motivated to get another daughter to choose the path of the extension and become free from addition.

I became aware of The Extension over 15 years ago and have been actively involved in its mission for at least the past six or seven years.
The residents of The Extension are broken and without hope when they first arrive and to watch them grow and transform into healthy and purposeful citizens of our community is a heart felt joy.
I personally know many of the residents and alumni of The Extension and I am grateful to have these sincere and caring men in my life. They have helped me in more ways than I could ever have thought about helping them.
The interaction and relationships of the residents, staff, volunteers, board and visitors is natural and peaceful and the place is filled with the presence of God's joy.

The Extension rocks. It's a non profit in patient facility that houses homeless drug addicted, alcoholic men and women and holds them accountable. I will forever be grateful to The Extension for giving my sister a second chance at life. I truly believe they saved her life. She is now a productive member of society and pays it forward daily. She could not have done it without them. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Martha B.

I’ve been involved with The Extension for a few years. Initially I became involved with The Extension through my church. I’ve been impressed with the residents as they support one another in their quest for sobriety. Also the residents see the value in the mission as the Alumni (the folks who have transitioned/or completed the program) continue to support the current residents by leading classes, stopping by to check-in, share their stories, help with a meal etc. This isn’t a free-ride, residents get a job and have some skin in the game as they give a portion of their pay-back to the program.

I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with the leaders in the organization and able to access their character as well and their capacity for caring. They have demonstrated both. They know what to expect and how to address the special requirements of their constituents. They also know what’s at- stake and are genuinely concerned with each person admitted for treatment. In my mind this is a tall order, but I am continually impressed with the strong sense of purpose in the leadership.

The Extension provides addiction recovery services and housing for men and women who are working and becoming contributing members of the Cobb County community. It is an effective program run by competent, compassionate people. I am pleased to be associated with such a wonderful program.