Restoration. 

Hope. 

Reimagining what a life can be.

All of the above are offered daily here in the Upper Cumberland by Lindsay Holloway and the staff at This Is Living Ministries, a recovery-focused program built for those battling addiction and the tragic cycle incarceration creates. 

The results speak for themselves. 

The recidivism rate (likelihood a previously incarcerated individual will return to prison within three years) drops from the state average of 70% to just 16% for those who make it through This Is Living Ministries’ year-long reentry plan. 

As someone whose own journey could have ended very differently, Lindsay serves the women who enter the program with genuine empathy and understanding for their struggles. 

She stated, “I started fighting addiction at 15 years old. I was arrested in September of 2010, effectively stopping a planned suicide attempt, and was sent to Nashville facing a 6-10 year sentence in federal prison. I was so blessed to serve my pre-trial probation at a Christian rehab facility while awaiting trial. In therapy, I dealt with the trauma of my past, took accountability for my life, and for the first time in years, looked to the future with joy and peace. God drastically changed my heart and mind. I remember thinking, ‘Gosh, I would love to do something like this back home,’ but at the time I didn’t think I was qualified or good enough.”

On her passion for being a conduit of renewal in the lives of others, Lindsay continued, saying, “God gave me a vision for a home for the ladies where they could be given the same opportunity I was afforded after my release. I still didn’t feel qualified, but God surrounded me with people who encouraged and supported not just me but the vision. The man who prosecuted me in federal court became one of my biggest encouragers. He introduced me to Men of Valor in Nashville, who adopted us as their sister program and helped us create the nonprofit. We opened the women’s re-entry home in January 2019 where my family and I stayed with some part-time staff to get it going. We have now grown to seven staff with many precious volunteers and supporters. I have the greatest job in the world and work with the most amazing people.”

Lindsay’s fire is undeniable, and as the writer of this feature, it felt like my duty to stay out of her way. I simply asked questions and let Lindsay speak with the beautiful, effortless clarity that can only come through complete abandon and commitment to your cause.

When asked how she views the impact This Is Living Ministries has on the area, Lindsay stated, “I see my position as a vital service to those who are hurting, growing, and reinventing themselves in our community. I came back here to love others, to tell them that our mistakes are not who we are. God created each of us with unique talents, giftings, personalities, and passions. I hope that others see the position God brought me to and realize that they too can overcome.” She continued, “Our organization is built on the belief that every individual is deserving of love, grace, and a second chance, regardless of their past. We strive to provide a supportive and empowering environment where women coming out of addiction and incarceration can find the love of God, hope, healing, and a fresh start.”

To conclude our interview, I gave Lindsay the opportunity to address the readers of this magazine. In my opinion, the resulting statement is all the evidence needed to support her place as a Mover and Shaker. 

“I want to tell the city of Cookeville that people can change. And because they can, they must be given an opportunity to do so. This second chance needs to start somewhere. It doesn’t happen unless we intervene. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of others at every part of my journey. My hope is simply to make more second chances possible here in Tennessee. My personal calling is obvious, but all of us have a chance to change lives. Every one of us, citizens, pastors, businesses, lawmakers, judges has a chance to help uplift men and women facing incarceration. We are all implicated in this work, just as we all benefit from it.” She concluded, “Help us bring peace and hope to those who need it most. Take the time to hear someone’s story, encourage them, give them a chance to work, give them the opportunity to rent, look beyond their past and look for their potential. After all, we are all worthy of dignity and love!”

Lindsay’s life is her mission. 

She pours all that she is into helping women escape the quicksand that is incarceration and addiction.

Our community and its future are stronger as a result. 

Those wishing to partner with This Is Living Ministries can do so by visiting us at http://www.thisislivingministries.org.

– by Andrew Buckner, photos by Abby Weeden