Page 32 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2016

COASTNOTES TNTRANCH
Building new facility
story by Lynn Lofton
photos by James Edward Bates
With its recent blessing-of-the-slab ceremony, TNT Ranch has reached
a milestone. The second phase of building has begun at the facility for addiction resources and homeless shelter that was founded by Tony Stapleton more than 20 years ago.
“Some of our buildings are outdated and we’re trying to upgrade by building a 5,000-square-foot homeless shelter with 14 bedrooms,” Stapleton said. “Last year we raised $90,000 but it’s going fast with a building this size. We partnered with the Seabees to do a lot of the labor for free, and those guys are really working. We plan to be in it in the next 90 days.”
TNT Ranch has also partnered with Feed My Sheep, which donates food, and other community partners through the years. “Feed My Sheep has been a great partner. I’m excited about what God and the community are doing for us,” Stapleton said. “
In the spring of 1993, recently retired U.S. Army veteran Stapleton began TNT Ranch for other veterans. He
had a vision of opening an affordable residential facility for those with mental disabilities, substance abuse, and the homeless. The rural site with twin ponds and horses provides a peaceful environment for residents.
“Our number one goal is to make a difference in people’s lives; we are all about recovery,” Stapleton said. “Over the years I felt there were others in
the community — not just veterans —
THE TNT RANCH slab dedication ceremony was covered by plenty of local media. RIGHT: HOMELESS ADVOCATE Ted Hearn and Pastor Claire Dobbs of First United Methodist Church of Gulfport.
who could benefit from our programs and facilities so we opened it up to everyone.”
The Ranch has a six-month minimum program. Clients are allowed to
stay longer making sure they are ready to live alone or transfer into another facility. The Ranch provides transportation for a small fee to and from psychiatrists, counselors, family physicians; 12-step self-help meetings; dental and vision care; and all social services as well as outside church services.
There are daily meditation and prayer groups, Bible studies by ordained ministers, indoor and outdoor recreation, daily goals and self-evaluation, substance abuse and dual diagnosis by certified and retired counselors, and intensive outpatient behavioral programs available.
TNT Ranch
11373 Allen Rd., Gulfport 228.669.7859 or 228.328.9174 www.tntranchrecoveryhome.com
32 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • February 2016
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