In a recent interview with Julie D from “Jabbering with Julie,” Pastor Lawrence La-Follette of Western Reserve Grace Church and recovery “Coach” Joe Pannitto discussed their upcoming 11-week program called “Reclaim Ministries,” designed to support individuals and families dealing with addiction.
A Community Need
Located in Macedonia, Ohio, Western Reserve Grace Church is launching this initiative as part of their mission to be “a people that walks toward people not away,” particularly when community members are struggling or in pain. After conducting research in the Macedonia and Northfield areas, the church identified addiction recovery as a significant need where they could provide meaningful support.
“Reclaim Ministries is built on the idea that addiction robs us of our freedom,” explained Pastor Lawrence. “We want to help people reclaim the freedom that addiction has stolen from them.”
S.E.E. Approach: Support, Equip, Empower
Coach Joe Pannitto, a certified life coach with six years of experience who has been part of the community since 1997, emphasized their approach using the acronym S.E.E. – Support, Equip, and Empower.
“What sets our work with Reclaim apart is that we’re trying to support people, equip people, and empower people,” said Coach Joe. The program will focus on substance use and behavioral misuse, not only for those directly affected but also for family members who need guidance in supporting their loved ones.
“Coach” Joe describes addiction as “a poor response to pain” and explains that the program aims to educate participants with healthier ways to handle pain and improve coping skills.
A Family and Community Focus
Both Pastor Lawrence and Coach Joe stressed the importance of involving families in the recovery process. “If one person in the family is hurting, it affects the whole family, and not only the family but the community they live in,” Julie D. noted during the interview.
Coach Joe agreed, explaining that “addiction puts people into silos” and can be very isolating, yet simultaneously has a “domino effect” that crosses boundaries, affecting work, personal life, and everything the person is connected to.
Part of a Continuum of Care
The program is designed for individuals who have already started their recovery journey. Coach Joe clarified that certain elements like medical detox or professional mental health care should be in place before someone joins Reclaim Ministries.
“This is part of that continuum of care,” he explained. “We can help them try to get to where they want to get, as long as they are committed to making change and willing to do the heavy lifting.”
Both speakers acknowledged that recovery is a lengthy process, especially for those who may have lost years to addiction. The program combines scriptural teaching with tactical recovery strategies. Participants will work through a book based on “The Empowerment Dynamic,” a framework in which Coach Joe is certified as both a coach and trainer.
Personal Connection
Coach Joe shared his personal connection to the work, revealing that he has ADHD, which is associated with a 25-30% higher risk of developing addictive behaviors due to challenges with self-regulation and self-control. This personal experience informs his coaching approach, and he expressed excitement about helping others make progress in their recovery journeys.
Meeting People Where They Are
Pastor Lawrence emphasized that Reclaim Ministries isn’t just about behavior modification. “We’re after seeing the traumas in their background, seeing the hurts in their life that may be pushing them toward addiction,” he said. “If we can understand their story, understand where they’ve been and where they want to go, we can provide healing in their life.”
The 11-week Reclaim Ministries program launches on March 11th at Western Reserve Grace Church. Those interested in learning more can contact Pastor Lawrence or Coach Joe directly.
Western Reserve Grace Church is located on Route 82 in Macedonia, Ohio, across from Conrads, and is known locally for hosting an annual chili cook-off and other family-oriented events throughout the year.
Western Reserve Grace Church
Lawrence La-Follette. Pastor of Biblical Integration
lawrence@wrgc.life 330-467-7436
“Coach” Joe Pannitto coachjoe@coachjoepannitto.com 330-815-7015
