Local program helped Lindsey King find ‘A tiny bit of hope’ and a successful career

Lindsey King carries tools and supplies to worksites in her professional role with Housing Development Alliance, Inc. (HDA), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Hazard, Ky. However, she did not always carry such items; she once carried the weight of addiction and substance abuse. 

HDA's Hope Building program, a collaborative effort between Perry County Drug Court, HDA, and Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC), afforded King an opportunity to pursue a career while navigating her addiction and substance abuse recovery. 

"I never in my life imagined I'd be a carpenter," she said. "I hadn't ever really done anything like that, but once I started, I fell in love with it." 

The construction courses King took at HCTC while in the program allowed her to gain knowledge that she uses in her job. 

"HCTC helped me get a start by gaining knowledge I needed for the career I was going for," she said. "It helped me in my recovery because it was one of the goals I set for myself." 

During her time at HCTC, King learned about construction techniques, light frame construction, blueprint reading for construction, concrete formwork, surveying and foundations. She said the guarantee of a lucrative, rewarding career motivated her. 

"It gave me something to work towards, and I think in recovery it's huge to have goals and be able to reach them," she said. "It kinda keeps your mind busy and focused on improving yourself." 

In addition to motivating her, King's newfound career has allowed her to provide for her family, including her two children. 

"My career has enabled me to provide for my kids financially and it's allowed me to set an example for my kids," she said. "They see me get up and go to work every single day no matter the weather or any other circumstance. ... They both think it's really cool that I build houses, and they also think it's cool that I'm helping people." 

King has a message for those considering opportunities in life, including individuals in recovery. 

"Never give up. No matter what you've done or how bad of a person you feel like you are, there is always a way out and a much better life waiting," she said. "I couldn't even look myself in the mirror for years, but I never gave up even when I felt like I wanted to. A tiny bit of hope is all it takes to get a start on it." 

King thanked her colleagues, family, and other supporters, including Judge Alison C. Wells of Perry Circuit Court, for all of their assistance. 

"I've been lucky enough to have a very supportive family that has played a huge role in my recovery, my work family has played a huge role and ... my kids saved me long before I even realized it," she said. 

For more information about program offerings at HCTC, visit the Hazard Community & Technical College Program Finder. Those interested in programs can contact the college by phone at (606) 487-3293.