In 1999, Buster Dupuis went through a program called Dunklin Memorial Camp in Okeechobee, Florida. There he learned that his problem was not the addiction to drugs, but rather what brought him to his addiction. At Dunklin, he learned what was really going on inside, and how to allow God to heal him from the inside out. Buster also took classes on the weekends with his wife, Maria, and son, Jacob. These classes were aimed to help them recover as a family. Together they learned how to work through the recovery process. God then lead Buster and his family to south Louisiana. There, God birthed the vision for Buster to give out what was given to him: Restoration.
In 2003, A Place of Restoration was formed. In 2005, APOR was able to purchase fifteen acres of land in Gray, Louisiana. Amazingly, three houses, a double-wide trailer, and an office trailer were all donated and moved onto the property where they were updated. APOR opened its doors in August 2009. It now houses up to 15 men. A Place of Restoration facilitates a discipleship program where men can learn how to live a life free from addictions. The once vision has become a reality through various fundraisers and events, such as our Annual Golf Tournament. A Place of Restoration is financially maintained through donations, APOR Lawn Care Service and various construction enterprises.
In 2011, Jeremy Smith came to APOR in desperate need of help. After working the program, experiencing God's goodness for the first time, and being given a new life, he chose to stay for Servant Leadership Training (SLT, a one-year commitment to leadership training). Following SLT, Jeremy decided to stay on staff, feeling called to full-time addiction ministry. In 2013, he married his wife, Amber, and the two of them now have five kids and live on site. In 2020, Jeremy became the director of the program, and along with so many grateful, humble former graduates on staff, he oversees the day-to-day operations of A Place of Restoration.
Buster, Maria, the staff and board members give all the glory to God for what has been and continues to be accomplished through A Place of Restoration.