Coaching addiction recovery residents into a flourishing life of freedom is one of the pillars Greenhouse Project ministry. So when Xavier Teagle, a Greenhouse recovery resident, asked for my help to get visitation rights to see his two young daughters, I jumped at the opportunity.

Recovery isn’t just about living a life free of addiction. It’s a journey toward total and complete restoration, and that includes restoration with family members.

In my darkest days of addiction, I severed every connection with family and friends. When I was in recovery and figuring out how to put the pieces of my life back together, Lisa and David Merideth brought me into their family. For many years I celebrated holidays and birthdays with them, so I know firsthand how it feels to be welcomed back into a loving family. It’s life-changing.

And the truth is, this doesn’t just change Xavier’s life, but also the life of his two young daughters.

Get the Facts

Fatherlessness is linked to many adverse outcomes for children. Here are just a few statistics:

63% of youth suicides occur in fatherless homes
85% of children with behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes
71% of high school dropouts are from fatherless homes
Children from fatherless homes are 4 times more likely to live in poverty

Behind these numbers are real people who are hurting because of broken relationships.

I remember the heart break of losing custody of my eldest daughter. After I got sober and went to City Team, I took myself to the courthouse and fought for visitation rights. After that success, just to see my daughter for one hour, I would take a two-hour bus ride from Chester to Springfield to Drexel Hill, just to walk my daughter around in a stroller for 60-minutes, then take the two-hour return trip home.

But seeing her for that one hour was SO worth it! And being there for Xavier through this was equally worth it!

Xavier was connected with attorney Ted Hoppe — who volunteers with Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia and offers free legal services to those in need — and just last month, he received visitation rights to see his two girls.

Reuniting with His Daughters

“I hadn’t seen my daughters in two years and two months. April 6th was the first visit with my daughters. I called their mom and she answered, and five seconds later my youngest daughter showed up in the driveway. She said “hey, Dad.”

It felt so unreal. I was ugly crying and everything.

You know, I’ve got some work to do. I want to prove my love. The journey isn’t over but I’m in a place where I’m grateful. Greenhouse Project has provided for me, with a safe environment to grow. It’s been excellent. I’ve had my hardships but I’m not here to make excuses. A man gets the job done. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about trying my best.”

Xavier can now spend two days a week with his two girls. On those days, Greenhouse Project is opening up the church building as a safe space for them to spend time together.

And here is the message of the Gospel: God sent his Son to heal the brokenhearted and to fully restore relationships – first to Himself, and then to others. We’re here to partner with God in that work, especially to our neighbors and recovery residents.

Xavier’s story is just getting going.

He’s working, saving money and paying child support. We are here to help him and champion him on this journey. Greenhouse Project exists to support, encourage, and celebrate people like Xavier and his two girls!

WATCH XAVIER'S STORY