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It started at the grassroots level, with very little financial backing, but a lot of passion.

And now it is three years later and T.J.'s Place of Hope continues to grow and touch lives of young people who are in deep trouble and feel they have no place to turn.

"We promise to be there," said Cheryl Crabtree, one of the founders. "If someone needs guidance or support to sustain a life free from addictive behaviors, our doors are wide open."

There are now two locations where volunteers offer assistance for people impacted by drugs, alcohol or eating disorders.

The north location is at 2231 Embury Park Drive in Dayton and opened in July of 2007. A south location, at 85 E. Franklin St. in Centerville was dedicated in November of 2007.

The recovery houses are dedicated to the memory of Thomas D. Whitehead Jr., an outgoing, charismatic 18-year-old Centerville High School graduate known as "T.J." to family and friends.

Crabtree, the mother of T.J., was devastated when her son died in November 2005 just a few weeks before he would have turned 19.

The young man was at the wheel, and alone in his 1995 gray Cadillac when it crashed into a tree in Trotwood while traveling at a high speed.

Crabtree said that a note her son left behind convinced her that T.J. lost a battle with inner demons "and took his own life, feeling he could find no other way to deal with growing addictions that included drugs and alcohol."

She said that T.J.'s family had been supportive, but were simply unable to reach him.

"He had gone through a lot," she said. "We did everything possible. He had counseling. He was hospitalized more than once, and went to treatment centers. But he just couldn't overcome."

As they dealt with the tremendous loss the mother and her family, along with loyal friends labored over what might be done in T.J.'s name to help others who are obsessed by addictive behavior.

"If there is one young person out there who needs someone to listen, or to assist them in finding help, we hope to do everything we can to be of service." the mother said.

Debbie Godshall, one of the many volunteers who has helped with the project from the beginning is a close friend of Cheryl Crabtree and attends the same church.

"My teenage son Dan got his driver's license on the morning of the day that T.J. died," Godshall said.

"When I heard about T.J....something hit me inside. I still cannot explain. But I knew I would be involved in any effort to help young people who may be struggling with life."

The center hold occasional fundraising events and a large party in support of the project is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18, at Beef O'Brady's, 953 S. Main St. in Centerville. The event includes an all day raffle and silent auction.

All of the services provided by T.J.'s Place of Hope are free. For more information, go to www.T.J.splaceofhope.org.

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.