Local woman 'fashions' her own kind of helping
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

A van chocked full of fashion goodies! Jackie Partlow of rural Delphi stands at the back of her van Friday loaded with donations and goodies for women in shelters and on work release in Indianapolis. Partlow spoke at a "fashionable" luncheon Saturday as a recovering addict to help send the message that drug recovery is difficult but can be done by anyone who makes the choice. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe

For 20 years, a rural Delphi woman was drug addicted. She spent her time searching for drugs and feeding her habit to the detriment of herself and her family.

But eight years ago Jackie Partlow got clean. She was in a shelter in Indianapolis and felt as low as what she thought was humanly possible. However, since that time she has consistently, positively progressed with her recovery. She attempts to bring others along with her whenever possible.

Last Saturday Partlow participated in a "Fashion Share" luncheon sponsored by the Indianapolis Women's Outreach Committee. The event was hosted by the Christ Missionary Baptist Church of Indianapolis. Women who are on work-release programs and/or live in shelters were invited to attend the luncheon. They were then provided with good, clean, stylish "fashionable" clothes, many of which were donated by Carroll County merchants, courthouse staff, a church group, the Delphi library staff, and private individuals.

"I'll come home with an empty van and a heart full of love and a giving spirit," Partlow said.

The women honored at the luncheon participated in drawings for prizes which were donated.

"I do this because I understand how it is," Partlow explained. "When you first get off drugs, you just have nothing."

"Someone gave to me and lent me a hand when I didn't have anything and I didn't think I could do it," she continued.

Partlow said she last spoke for the outreach committee four years ago but has continued her involvement with the group to this time. She said she has always participated in the outreach activities, contributed to their cause and has been an active speaker at several retreats in that time.

According to the luncheon brochure, Partlow was asked to speak Saturday because she had "walked in the women's shoes" and could relate to them, and them to her, on a very personal level.

"We didn't grow up to be addicts," Partlow concluded. "But we became them someway along the way with bad choices."