President
Craig received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Religious Education from Gardner Webb University and his Masters of Arts degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been certified by SBIRT (clinical skills training) and is an NAADAC Certified Recovery Coach. He has served as Pastor, Minister of Evangelism, Education, and Youth in over 20 years of ministry. He is a board member of the Blue Ridge Prison and Jail Ministry. Craig has experienced firsthand the struggle and devastation of addiction. He has a passion for those suffering from Substance Abuse Disorder as well as family members who have had their lives dramatically affected by its consequences. He founded First Contact to help those struggling with addictions to formulate a path to recovery, and a plan to return to a life of normalcy. He serves to inform and educate families and provide comfort and support.
Director of Men’s Ministry
On January 15th 2017, Brooks made the decision to step out of the dark world of addiction and into a brighter future of Christian recovery. With the grace he received in Christ and the Godly counsel of the faithful people around him he was able to find restoration. As he begins his 9th year serving those who come through the doors of First Contact, he is fully aware that God did spare him so that he could live out the calling to help others find freedom by coming to faith in a risen savior. In September of 2020, Brooks received an associate degree in Religion/Christian Ministries from Fruitland Baptist Bible College, and is currently enrolled in the bachelor program in Pastoral Ministry at Judson College through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He desires to one day receive his Master’s in Christian Counseling. Brooks and his wife Shelby live in Hendersonville, North Carolina and are proud parents to Emery and their doodle baby Cooper. In his spare time Brooks loves spending time in God’s creation mountain biking and hiking, practicing archery and other shooting sports and the occasional collectible card game.
Director of Men
Kevin grew up in Western Kentucky. He came to First Contact for assistance when he met one of our coaches at a local Celebrate Recovery meeting. He has a professional background in retail management and property development.
Kevin has successfully earned certification as a NC Peer Support Specialist (CPSS). After several years in active addiction, he looks forward to using his training to help other struggling individuals. Kevin completed a yearlong discipleship program at Renewed Hope ministries in Murphy, NC. After graduation, he stayed in the program an additional eight months to learn how to disciple and counsel other men.
While in the program, Kevin began a renewed relationship with God. It was not long before he began hearing God’s calling to utilize his own experiences to serve at First Contact in addiction ministry.
In his role as placement coordinator, Kevin is passionate about the opportunity to relay hope to those lost in addiction. He gets a lot of satisfaction from knowing his work makes a difference in the lives of the individuals and families he works with every day.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping and fishing. He considers himself a boss on the grill and the smoker.
Woman’s Placement Coordinator
Outpatient Coordinator
Administrator
With 25 years of experience working at her church, Candis now serves as Administrator at First Contact. She enjoys working behind the scenes to support others and help everything run seamlessly. She and her husband, Kerry are active members of The Unity Church and have two grown children and seven grandchildren. Candis has had a strong walk with the Lord since she was a child.
Candis believes in the mission of First Contact Ministry and loves pouring into others.
Office Manager
Denise brings over 26 years of experience in the Health Care Industry in Accounts Receivable Billing and Collection Management. With this type of experience, she is well qualified to serve First Contact Addiction Ministry. Two of those years were with HCA Westlake Hospital and 5 years was with the University of Behavioral Center in Orlando, Fl, both being Inpatient and Outpatient facilities with treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction. She retired after 14 years from an independently owned Compounding Pharmacy which specialized in pain management.
Denise feels that the years of experience, knowledge, and understanding in these areas of health care was simply God’s way of preparing her to be led in July of 2017 to serve the Lord at First Contact Addiction Ministries.
Volunteer
I am so blessed to be a part of The First Contact Family, even though I am not from this area. I was born in Indiana but spent most of my life in Cincinnati, Ohio.
My initial knowledge of First Contact was in January 2018 when my son needed help finding a rehab. The team found him a great rehab. Not long after, I began feeling the desire to know more about these people. I attended a Family Support Group Meeting, where I met with Craig Halford. He suggested I come by the office. After that I felt led to fill out a volunteer application. I soon was answering the phone and helping out in the office. The last couple years I’ve been honored to be a part of the Prayer Team and being a witness to the many prayers that are being answered.
Volunteer
Bio Coming Soon…
First Contact Ministries, Inc.
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