Jarrod Windham, a native of Dublin, Georgia, began his career in the business world after earning a BBA in Accounting with a minor in Spanish from Georgia College and State University in 1994. He went on to earn his MBA in International Business from Mercer University in 1997. Being attracted to alcohol from a young age and then later drawn toward other illicit drugs, Jarrod fell deeper into his addiction until hitting the lowest point in his life: losing his job, encountering law enforcement multiple times which lead to arrest, and endangering his family–both physically and emotionally. Jarrod found himself at a crossroad and sought professional treatment.
One of the things learned in recovery is that “secrets keep you sick,” and Jarrod’s secret was that God called him to work in ministry when he was in college, but Jarrod chose to ignore the calling. After recovery, Jarrod answered the call to ministry, specifically to help other men in their struggle with substance use disorder. He felt God was leading him to begin his own recovery residence, but he was not sure what to call it or where to begin. After reading several spiritual devotionals that all mentioned the name “El Shaddai”–which means “God Almighty”–Jarrod knew God was telling him to use His name as part of the title. Then, upon reading Psalm 46:1, which discusses God being our refuge, Jarrod knew the name of this residence must be “El Shaddai’s Refuge.”
Since beginning ESR, Jarrod has earned his CAC II through the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA). This allows him to diagnose and develop a treatment plan for Substance Use Disorder. Additionally, Jarrod obtained certification as a Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS). His ability to offer peer support is made possible through Jarrod’s CARES CPS-AD Certification through Georgia Council for Recovery, and he is a Forensic Peer Mentor (FPM) after receiving certification through the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. Jarrod draws upon all these skill sets when counseling, providing support, and imparting guidance to each man who enters this recovery residence.
Jarrod is married to Melonie, whom he met in college, and they have two sons and one grandson. Part of ESR’s program is to provide a home-style recovery residence, so Jarrod and Melonie live on property with the ESR clients.
ESR 