When a group of Griffin businessmen saw the devastation wrought on lives on our community from alcoholism and substance abuse some twenty years ago, they set out to address it. Midway, is home to several programs that deal with these diseases. In its twenty-year history, Midway has served more than 783 people who are suffering with the disease of addiction
In initial meetings, the businessmen who founded Midway were compelled to recount tales of lives lost by family members and friends, colleagues and employees. Addressing this terrible situation called for each man to make a "venture of faith," which remains a cornerstone to the philosophy of Midway to this day. They visited a variety of programs, including one in Newport News, Virginia, and several in Florida.
Based on their research, the Midway founders realized that letting those who were in the early part of the recovery program live in a recovery-focused environment was crucial. The residential component became the first part of the Midway program and remains the main focus today. The Midway Recovery program begin in conjunction with state treatment programs, but this would change. In making plans for the future in 1985, Midway hosted a visit from Dr. Conway Hunter, a former physician and recovering alcoholic.
Dr. Hunter had used his own experience and expertise to start Peachford Hospital, a recovery center in Atlanta. He recommended that Midway sever its ties with the state and work independently. Giving up the participation of the state led to more independence for Midway, but also a need for financial support. Once again, the businessmen who had the foresight to see the need for Midway came to bat.
A local physician began a matching funds drive that raised nearly $60,000 in one day. With that initial investment, the organization was able to renovate the facility they called home and to hire a full-time director. The first full-time director of the independent Midway Recovery Systems was the Reverend Doctor Charles Newby. By personal experience, Reverend Newby knew of the devastation of substance abuse. Reverend Newby was committed to his own recovery - and to the recovery of others through Midway. Reverend Newby oversaw development of plans to renovate the facility and to improve the program. He passed away in Autumn of 1985, leaving behind a legacy of hope to all who knew him. Midway named its newly renovated meeting room "Newby Hall" in his honor.
The residential program houses up to 14 men who need long-term treatment. The first 30 days consist of education group, group therapy, and spiritual groups. The next 60 days residents are eligible to go to work and return to Midway at night. In this phase they are required one AA/NA meeting a day, aftercare on Thursday night, and a Saturday morning group.
For most graduates of Midway's residential program, a return to their previous lives was appropriate. For some, however, another option was needed. Several years later, another fund-matching drive brought $79,000, allowing Midway to open the "Extended Care House" where residents could stay an additional 18 months if needed.
About three years ago, the Midway program expanded to intervene with in incarcerated. Midway staff visits the Spalding County Jail every monday to seek candidates to be released for treatment at Midway, thus saving the Spalding County taxpayer and hopefully returning inmates to productive society.
The twenty-year history of Midway has yielded many heroes. In addition to the Reverend Newby, George Murray, Arthur K. Bolton, and Melrose Sprangler are cited as significant supporters. George Murray, a local realtor, helped individual clients at Midway, often providing transportation to health facilities when needed. Arthur K. Bolton, the former Georgia Attorney General, assisted Midway with program development during the early years. Personal Growth Center Director Melrose Sprangler provided Midway with a stabilizing presence following the death of the Reverend Newby.
The Griffin-Spalding Hospital Authority has been a major funding source for Midway over the years. The Authority has recognized the severe impact substance abuse has on our community and the work Midway is doing. The Griffin-Spalding United Way has also been a strong supporter, providing funds on an annual basis since 1989 for Midway according to Rosa Stewart.
For those whom Midway is not an appropriate resource, the staff seeks out resources to assists those individuals as well. Hundreds of teens, abuse victims, and others have been routed to other agencies and organizations over the years.