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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 16, 2006 Couple free from meth abuse work to rebuild young family By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune EDITOR'S NOTE: "Light One Candle" is an annual Mail Tribune series that focuses on the single need of an individual, family or agency during the holidays. Recovery from methamphetamine addiction will give one local family a reason to cherish this Christmas, their first drug-free. While the new year promises their graduation from a residential treatment program, the couple is faced with finding jobs and housing for their three children, ages 15 months, 2 and 5. "It's absolutely overwhelming," said the woman, 24. She and her husband, 26, are trying to rebuild relationships with their kids, who spent about eight months in foster care before joining them last month at OnTrack Inc.'s Home Program. The couple lost their daughters and son to protective custody early this year when a neighbor called authorities and reported drug use at their Medford apartment. Advertisement The man gave up his job cooking for a local tavern and entered the Home Program in August. His wife joined him after spending a month in jail for possessing meth and endangering her children. Drugs were a constant throughout their eight years together, but the couple are trying to learn another way of life. They hope to make "family nights" part of their new routine. The couple have a few items of furniture in storage. But the baby has since outgrown her crib and needs a toddler bed. Since entering foster care, the kids have outgrown clothing and could use new items in sizes 5-6, 4T and 18-24 months. The oldest girl dreams of a bicycle. The family also wishes for dressers, an entertainment center and toy boxes. Replacing their broken television would allow the family to watch movies together. Donations can be delivered to the Home Program, 3397 Delta Waters Road, Medford. For more information, call 772-4648. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com