FIFTY-EIGHT YEARS. It has been 58 years since the last time a drink threatened to swallow him whole. At Serenity House, surrounded by encouraging conversations and love, it felt less like a battle won and more like a life rebuilt, brick by brick. Here, life wasn’t just rebuilt. It was reborn — each story shared and each understanding glance was a brick laid to form the foundation of his new reality. For 36 years, it has served as a sanctuary, symbolizing the power of community, second chances, and serenity.
Jim Devlin, a God-fearing visionary with 58 years of sobriety, is a living embodiment of Serenity House’s mission. His story, intertwined with the center’s history, reveals its profound impact on all who step foot in the building, located at 313 N. Collins St.
Years ago, Devlin’s life was a whirlwind of alcohol addiction. The ambition was there, but it was overshadowed by a dependence that threatened to consume him. Finding Alcoholics Anonymous became a turning point. The program offered not just a path to sobriety but the sense of belonging he craved. Through those experiences, a glimmer of hope ignited.
John Nicholson, an esteemed member of the Tullahoma business community, witnessed the transformative power of Alcoholics Anonymous firsthand. He saw the struggle many faced: the constant search for meetings scattered across churches and recreational halls. The inconvenience, he believed, was a barrier to recovery. Nicholson dreamt of a central location — a sacred space dedicated solely to recovery.
Devlin, forever grateful for the program that transformed him, readily embraced Nicholson’s vision. They embarked on a fundraising journey inspired by the belief that a dedicated space could make a world of difference. The road wasn’t easy, but the Tullahoma community rallied behind them. With donations trickling in and volunteers, many of whom had experienced recovery themselves, Serenity House became a reality.
Serenity House offers a safe haven for those seeking recovery through its 12-step program. The facility hosts various sanctioned groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Overeaters Anonymous. Each group warmly welcomes newcomers who identify with specific struggles.
Rick Whitfield, a board member with Serenity House, said, “Hope is found in the meetings, and newcomers see the serenity in the eyes of others.”
It’s no wonder that local court systems refer many individuals in need of support to Serenity House. The recovery program provides a safe space for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. The physical space offers a sense of permanence and legitimacy, but the mutual experiences within the walls are where true power lies.
Newcomers yearning for a different life find hope in past stories of struggle and triumph. Experienced members offer encouragement, support, and guidance. It’s a place where vulnerability is not a weakness but a cornerstone of healing.
Serenity House provides a nurturing environment that reignites hope and creates growth. The program empowers individuals to reclaim their lives and rebuild what addiction took away. Individuals mend broken relationships and find success in their chosen career paths. They help to shatter the cycle of despair and replace it with a joyful, fulfilling life.
You might not see the physical transformation within these walls, but the emotional metamorphosis is profound. The shame that once clung to individuals like a shroud is replaced by dignity.
Devlin’s story isn’t unique; it’s a testament to the countless lives Serenity House has touched. His journey from the barriers of addiction to becoming a pillar of recovery and a co-founder of a sanctuary of hope proves that recovery in Tullahoma is within reach for those who need it.
With the addition of Devlin’s grandson, Mitch, to the board, the organization embraces an even brighter future.
Whitfield said, “Mitch joining the board adds a great asset, and he identifies well with the younger adults.”
This new generation ensures that the center remains relevant by staying in touch with the needs of a younger population seeking recovery.
At Serenity House, hope takes root and mends broken lives. It is a community that thrives on second chances. Here in Tullahoma, remarkable transformations take place, one life at a time. GN
