James Dossey started work at The Grove on February 3, 2026, as a Vocational Counselor.  He spent 13 years working as a Rehabilitation Counselor for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services before retiring. James graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in 1978 and began a career in the petrochemical industry from which he left in 2001. Between the years 2001 and 2010, James experienced a major setback when he became addicted to prescription painkillers which he had started taking due to old sports injuries from his college days. This addiction changed his life and that of his family. Until that time, he had gotten married, began a successful career, and raised a family. James not only attended church but was active in leadership roles. He also volunteered as a coach for the local Little League and was on the board of directors. His addiction to pain killers completely took over and wreaked havoc in his life and included multiple substance abuse treatment centers, incarceration which also included 6 months in the IMPACT program at Hunts state prison. It was during one of the many IOP experiences that James was informed about a chance to attend Southern University and apply to graduate school for Rehabilitation Counseling. He interviewed and was accepted into the graduate program at Southern and earned his master’s degree in 2012, magna cum laude. During this time, he completed his internship at Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS). He had become eligible for services a couple of years prior to graduate school after completing one of his substance abuse treatment programs. LRS offered James a job as a rehabilitation counselor and he went to work for them in 2013. James was able to work primarily with the substance abuse caseload during his career at LRS. The opportunity to come to work for The Grove came about through James’ friendship with Jordan Dupont who he had met at Acacia Church. James was interested in retiring from LRS and desired to continue his work with the substance abuse community.  He wanted to be able to have an influence in the lives of those shackled by substance abuse as he had been.  After a couple of meetings, a position was created and offered.  James continues to enjoy spending time with his family, which includes 7 children, 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He and his family are active at Acacia Church as prayer partners and serve team members. James’ job at The Grove is truly an answer to prayer and the culmination of his recovery journey.