By Cindy Jackson
Reporter
February 20, 2020
The first order of business on the agenda at the Board of County Commissioners’ meeting of February 19, 2020, was the unanimous approval of a resolution commending Henry Green for his service to the community.
A lifelong resident of Fernandina Beach, Henry Green spent a portion of his life struggling with the demons of addiction.
In 1988, Green hit rock bottom and started attending Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings – two programs which he credits for helping him to turn his life around.
In 1989, Green held the first Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Fernandina Beach and hosted the first ever Narcotics Anonymous Luau, which remains a popular community event to this day, as noted in the resolution.
Another milestone came took place in 1993, when Green joined the staff of Charter by the Sea as an addiction specialist. During his tenure there, Green was often on the speakers ‘circuit, appearing at colleges and conferences throughout the Southeast, sharing his story of recovery.
Having contracted Hepatitis C earlier in his life as a result of his drug use, Green was then later diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. That news came in 2009. A second opinion rendered by the Mayo Clinic and a treatment plan implemented by the top-notch medical team there saw Green not only cured of Hepatitis C, but he also beat cancer with a successful liver transplant performed in 2014. Since that time, Green has dedicated himself to the service of others.
In 2014, he established the New Found Freedom House (NFFH), opening three homes for recovering addicts. Since then It is estimated that approximately 350 individuals have been served by Mr. Green’s ministry. A few of those helped by Green were in attendance at the Wednesday morning meeting. Speaking from the heart, one man said, “Thank God for Mr. Green. It is wonderful to be sober minded,” and another added that as a result of the time spent with Mr. Green, “My thinking has changed. My choices have changed.”
A book entitled “Saved by Grace, Full of Gratitude. The Recovery of Henry Green” written Christopher W. Bogosh was released late last year and is available at amazon.com.
After the presentation of the resolution, BOCC Chair Danny Leeper expressed his gratitude for the work done by Mr. Green and remarked “it’s clear you have a servant’s heart.”
Editor’s Note: Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Cindy received her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College. Upon graduation, Cindy began her career on Capitol Hill working as a legislative aide and director. She later became a part of the public relations and lobbying team of the American Iron and Steel Institute and served as director of the office of state legislative affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Cindy was involved in economic development with the state of Maryland, and served as executive director of Leadership Washington County. As a community volunteer, Cindy participates in numerous volunteer activities serving as a member of Sunrise Rotary, and as board member of Cummer Amelia Board of Directors.