Meet Leslie Skinner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Skinner.

Hi Leslie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
So, I started my journey as another woman fell victim to an abusive relationship. At the time, it felt like ‘real love’ but in a phase that I thought would eventually change. Unfortunately, I was so wrong. It got so bad I turned to drugs to numb the pain of it all. At that point, my love was drugs and lots of them. For 13 years, I watched my life spiral into a hopeless pit that I could never seem to get out of. Finally, after many incarcerations, mental health hospital stays, drug overdoses, loss of children and family, several attempted suicides, homelessness, and my life as I knew it, I finally met my savior. Jesus Christ!

I remember the day. I was sitting in downtown Nashville hidden in the back of a parked semi-truck. Forgive me for the graphic details but I was homeless and I had literally just urinated on myself to just feel warmth for how ever many seconds I could. And my whole life flashed before my eyes. I cried out to anyone who was listening. And there he was… Comforting me in my hour of darkness. Psalms 23:4. On that day, I gave my life to the Lord. Now, I am an Executive Director and part-owner of We Do Recover in Lebanon Tennessee. We are a 12 monthly Christ-centered life recovery program. We incorporate scriptures in every aspect of recovery. As of June 24, 2021, I am 5 years clean and now, I mentor those who are still struggling with addiction.

We provide safe living and stuctured bible studies and classes for our residents. We go out into our communities and spread the Gospel. And the crazy thing is, I praise God every day for the storms I went through because now I see the purpose God has for me. Plus, he has not only given me my kids back but he has blessed me with an amazing husband who shares the same type of past but has also given his life to God and is also a pastor.

But God…

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Losing my kids was the biggest struggle. And you would think getting them back everything would be great. But unfortunately, I’m still struggling with learning how to be a mother again. The road is never smooth but God always makes a way when there seemeth no way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am part owner and the Executive Director at We Do Recover LLC. in Lebanon Tennessee. I specialize in the legal side of recovery. I communicate with Probation/Parole officers about residents we house as well as Judges, DA, etc. I advocate for our residents who are trying to change their lives. It’s actually such a crazy blessing because I used to be that person on Probation/Parole or in jail for drugs.

And all I ever wanted was somebody to reach out and help me. What sets me apart from others is that I am these residents. I don’t have a PHD or even an impressionable background or certification for what I do. But Lord knows, I have the experience and now the resources to help.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
That I will go into the darkness and pull people out myself without hesitation. You see that’s why some people still struggle. Because nobody will simply ask them if they need help. Pray for them. Believe in them. Advocate for them etc.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: We Do Recover Ministry’s inc