Serenity Chair

Culture of the Serenity Chair

Origin and Creation

The Serenity Chair holds deep significance within our organization, symbolizing dedication, faith, and perseverance. Our founder's cousin, Annette, spent four years cross-stitching its intricate pattern. Discovering the pattern at the Salvation Army, she often woke up in the middle of the night to work on it, driven by her strong faith and Catholic school education.

The Founder’s Experience

Our founder’s background in drug and alcohol rehabilitation inspired the Serenity Chair. He encountered a similar chair in the rehab program where he worked, leaving a lasting impression. This experience, combined with Annette's dedication, brought the Serenity Chair to life, serving as a place of solace for many in the rehab program.

Annette’s Experience

Annette also worked in Jackson Prison, first in Level 1 and later in the boot camp for first-time offenders. She witnessed the transformative power of persistence despite challenges like inmates faking heart attacks. An inmate’s words, “Everybody has a purpose of life,” deeply resonated with her. Annette earned the affectionate moniker "Mother" from the inmates, further fueling her determination to complete the Serenity Prayer. Her dedication parallels the intense effort needed for reentry, reminding us of the power of faith, commitment, and the importance of never giving up on our purpose in life.