Devon Weaver didn't graduate from her hometown high school in Lewistown. She never got her General Equivalency Diploma (GED) either.

But Weaver did graduate from the Potter's House of Ruth addiction recovery and discipleship center. For it was at the House of Ruth in Leola where she found her way.

"At the House of Ruth, I learned I had a lot of anxieties," said Weaver. "To be with the Lord every day is important. It's hard out there. You've got to show people the love of Christ, no matter what they're doing, even your enemies. I learned forgiveness in there too."

Weaver graduated from the House of Ruth's all-female addiction and recovery course in December of 2025 after completing the three-phase program over a span of 11 months. Weaver also received the Holy Spirit during a baptism ceremony in a river.

Already spiritual, she wasn't changed personally as much as the direction of her life was transformed.

"I didn't want to make a big deal of it," said Weaver of the graduation. "But it felt good."

Before her stay at the House of Ruth, Weaver abused alcohol and other drugs and endured abuse and seemingly one family tragedy after another. She even spent some time in jail, but that's where she heard about the House of Ruth and the transformative work that is performed there.

She filled out an application, was interviewed and then was accepted into the House of Ruth's program.

"When I was in jail, my mom and oldest daughter moved away, and I didn't know where they were. I couldn't find them," said Weaver. "The House of Ruth was very spiritual, very uplifting. We did praying, and there was healing. I was very, very traumatized because of everything I went through. It was a lot of work. You've got to have endurance.

"I put Christ first because everything was taken from me," she added. "I didn't even pray when I (first) came in because I didn't have a voice. But you keep going, and you can feel the happiness."

During her time at the House of Ruth, Weaver attended classes, studied the Bible, learned basic life skills and volunteered at local nonprofits. She laid a spiritual, emotional and mental foundation upon which a new life could be constructed.

During her stay, the House of Ruth's population fluctuated between two and seven female residents. Some stuck out the program; others did not.

"When you're on drugs and then don't have them, it's warfare in your mind," said Weaver, a 44-year-old resident of Leola. "You always think drugs are going to fill the void, but it's not worth it. We replace drugs with the Holy Spirit. I just feel blessed."

Now, Weaver holds down two jobs. In addition to her position as an assistant manager at Family Dollar in New Holland, she also works for The Potter's House.

"I just would encourage people to find that fire and to keep fighting," said Weaver. "I didn't have that fire, but through Him I found it."

For additional information, go to http://www.thepottershouselancaster.org.