T.N.T. Recovery Ranch Requests Donations for New Building

For the past 20 years, T.N.T. Recovery Ranch in Gulfport has been helping people around the country deal with addiction.

Harrison County code enforcement has determined their buildings aren’t up to code, and now they need to raise the money for a new building. For Zack Cupp, addiction was a part of life, but now, he’s working towards recovery on the Coast. Cupp says, "I started using drugs at a very young age. I think that was part of not loving myself. My addiction wreaked havoc through middle school and high school."

The T.N.T. ranch has been helping people from Gulfport for the past 20 years, and its focus will keep it going long into the future. Gus Damers, Senior Pastor at Crossroads Christian Center, says, "We can’t go to sleep at night knowing that there is someone under a bridge living there, whether it’s a man woman or child, so we share that heart."

Many of the success stories over the years have made the ranch a way of life, as they stuck around to help others. Joe Mattingly, Leading Manager of T.N.T. Recovery Ranch, says, "When I got here, I saw how much my heart got into this. I saw a need and it was something that I felt I needed to do because I lost that ability or my purpose in life."

As the ranch continued to grow, the residents themselves built buildings to provide for the extra space they needed. They recently found that the buildings weren’t up to code, and they’re raising money to help build a new facility. Tony Stapleton, owner of T.N.T. Recovery Ranch, says, "This weekend, we’re having a fish fry on 49 in front of Autozone. We would like to invite everyone to come out."

The ranch is also having BBQs this Saturday at Crossroads Christian Center in Gulfport and at the Saenger Theater in Biloxi. They’ve got a long way to go, but are thankful for any help and hope to continue their mission in a new home. Cupp closes, "If it wasn’t for Mr. Tony and his tough love, I wouldn’t be standing here today. He made me into the man I am now."

For information about fundraisers or how to donate, call Tony at (228) 669-7859, or visit their website at www.tntranchrecoveryhome.com.