Here is some addiotional info on Joe:
Subject: Joe McQ
In 1962, Joe McQ, a drunk from Little Rock, Arkansas was put into a state hospital for alcoholism. He went to an AA meeting there for, as he says, "cigarettes and coffee" but what he heard there changed his life and subsequently the lives of thousands.
In 1972, he opened Serenity House (now doing business as Serenity
Park) with a vision of developing a treatment center for the recovery of people suffering from the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. He had only $300.00, but with the help and generous hard work of a lot of good people, he rented the first building at 10th and Gaines Streets in Little Rock, Arkansas, which originally housed the YMCA for Black Women.
The first time he walked in to look at the place, it was completely
Empty except for a little poster on the wall, which read, "We are born for one purpose, to help one another," (a quote from Tolstoi). That had a powerful and moving effect on him. Those same feelings remain with Joe throughout his life.
For over 33 years Serenity Park has offered residential care for over 40,000 men. In 2005, construction began on an all-women's treatment center, "The Serenity Home for Women." which completes his original vision of developing a treatment center for the recovery of all people suffering from the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.
The building is now complete and within weeks of opening. Although
Joe will not be there for the grand opening physically, He will be there in spirit. Thank you Joe. Your work, gifts and love will be carried on forever.
Further details regarding services and other arrangements will be posted at:
http://www.serenitypark.org
Additionally a condolence register has been created on the Serenity Park website for anyone wishing to leave a message. There is a condolence register on the Kelly Foundation Web site. http://www.kellyfdn.com
|