Meet Our Newest Team Member!

We’re excited to welcome Jayme Barfell to the Welcome to a New Life team as our new Mentor Network Coordinator! Jayme brings a powerful combination of personal experience, professional training, and a deep passion for helping others. Her own journey of recovery and purpose, along with her background in nursing, social advocacy, and chemical dependency counseling, make her an incredible asset to our mission.

Jayme holds her CDCA certification, an Associate Degree in Nursing, and a Diploma in Social Advocacy and Chemical Dependency Counseling. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Social Work and has dedicated over two and a half years volunteering at the Findlay Recovery Center, where she leads recovery meetings and shares her story of hope. We’re thrilled to have Jayme on board to strengthen our mentor network and deepen our community connections!

"Five years ago, I was unsure of what I truly wanted to do with my career. I wanted to do something to help those that were affected by addiction, struggling with poor choices they had made. I watched addiction take my son, he wasn’t himself when he was using, he made terrible mistakes. He made choices that caught up to him and put him in the public eye as someone he never wanted to be. I could see the hopelessness in his eyes. I wanted people to still see him, not his crimes, not his addiction, but HIM. Working on this amazing team at WNL is going to give me the opportunity to help others see the actual person behind the mistakes they’ve made. I want to see positive outcomes and celebrate not only that crimes are not being repeated, but lives are being saved."

- Jayme

Interested in becoming a mentor?
Contact Jayme at mentors@welcometoanewlife.org or visit our website to learn about what it means to be a mentor with Welcome to a New Life!

"...These small gestures are the anchors that hold us steady when life feels like too much. Please don’t try to fix me. Don’t take on my pain or push away my shadows. Just sit beside me as I work through my own inner storms. Be the steady hand I can reach for as I find my way. My pain is mine to carry, my battles mine to face. But your presence reminds me I’m not alone in this vast, sometimes frightening world. It’s a quiet reminder that I am worthy of love, even when I feel broken. So, in those dark hours when I lose my way, will you just be here? Not as a rescuer, but as a companion. Hold my hand until the dawn arrives, helping me remember my strength. Your silent support is the most precious gift you can give. It’s a love that helps me remember who I am, even when I forget.”

Thanks to all who attended our Open House!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our open house and ribbon cutting—we were truly honored to celebrate this milestone with you. Your presence, support, and encouragement mean so much to our team and the individuals we serve. We'd like to say a special thanks to the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, The Baker's Cafe, Jim Zellner, and Olive & Brie for your assistance in making the day truly special!

Also pictured is Our Sobriety Tree: A Living Story of Hope. When you walk into our office, you’ll see a tree covered in handwritten leaves. Each leaf represents one of our mentees and the date they’ve committed to their new life. It’s not just decoration, it’s a living reminder of courage. Every leaf is a step forward. Every number is a victory. And together, these branches show the strength of a community choosing a better road. We’re proud of each person who adds their leaf to the WNL Sobriety Tree. Their progress inspires us, encourages others, and reminds us why this work matters so much.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to help make a meaningful impact by supporting our mission through a simple, heartfelt gesture. Consider donating gift cards for the use of our Mentees, or purchasing an item from our Amazon Wish List—each contribution directly supports the individuals we serve and helps meet essential needs throughout the year. Together, we can bring hope, stability, and new opportunities to those on their new life journey. Thank you for being part of this important day of giving!

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