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A L U M N I L I F E
Jay Davidson, 91K
Jay Davidson, who enjoyed a successful military
career for more than 20 years, had no idea that a
visit to an Alcoholics Anonymous support group
would change his life. After his experience with
the support group, he retired from the military
with high honors and returned to school at the
University of Louisville to receive his degree
and become a social worker at age 50. In 1992
he opened The Healing Place, bringing the AA
ideals to the shelter. It allows individuals to stay
there free for six months while going through
treatment and provides essential life skills. "The
Healing Place works because of accountability.
People are with each other 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. We raise the bar and give them the
tools and vision to do better," says Davidson.
Money Magazine chose Davidson to be part
of its "50 Heroes in 50 States" for Kentucky in
honor of his extraordinary efforts to improve
the personal f nances of others. The state of
Kentucky also modeled its Recovery Kentucky
initiative after The Healing Place, opening 10
centers across the state.