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Tennessee non-profit Blue Monarch has developed a (granola) recipe for recovery

Posted at 8:50 AM, Jun 28, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-28 09:50:59-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Often times, escaping abuse and addiction takes a team. "Blue Monarch" has developed a recipe for recovery.

The long-term residential recovery program is set on 50-acres in Monteagle, Tennessee.

"Most of the women who come to us come out of jail," said founder and president Susan Binkley. "They’ve lost custody of the children. A big part of what we do is not only help the family recover, we help that mom become a better parent, a healthier parent, so she can get her children back."

Binkley says the idea came to her in a dream nearly 25-years-ago.

"We’re essentially changing the family tree," she said.

Reuniting moms with their children can be complicated. The program helps ease that transition -- using on-site counseling and providing stability.

"The granola grew out of a private business that I used to have," she said. "Fortunately Blue Monarch took ownership of that granola business in 2015."

They call it "granola with a purpose." Blue Monarch partners with "Out Of The Blue Granola."

"It is been the greatest tool, to partner with [them]," she said.

The women who make it learn valuable skills that will help them after they leave. Jessica McDaniel has been in the program for nearly two years.

"I remember losing my kids and thinking, 'how did I get to this point,'" she said.

Now, she's ready to move forward and says now -- life is sweet.

"It keeps getting better as the days go on," McDaniel said.

More than 260 children have been re-united with their moms through the program. Blue Monarch is currently home to 16 families. They are expanding and will soon have room for 19. Hundreds more are on the waiting list. Click here for more information.