‘They believed in me’: Ocala woman credits OPD’s Drug Amnesty program for addiction recovery

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Melissa Abney of Ocala said it only took one call to turn her life around.

“For 15 years I lived on and off the streets here in Ocala,” stated Abney. “I’ve been to 12 different rehabs. I’ve been to jail three times and prison once.”

Abney struggled with drug addiction for several years. She said then everything changed on September 27th 2020, when she decided to get help from the Ocala Police department.

“My daughter dropped off a bag of clothes for me and in there was a shirt that said ‘I was going to go running today, but Proverbs 28:1 says only the wicked run when someone is chasing them’. It’s supposed to be a funny shirt but I took it to heart. Then an officer came and picked me up. Very kind, very caring.”

With the help of OPD’s Drug Amnesty program, Abney now manages Dignity Roasters’ and pours passion, one cup of coffee at a time.

“When I got out by the grace of God, I found my current employer, which is Wear Gloves,” shared Abney.

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, said he stands behind the program, as he also walked the difficult path of addiction.

“I’m in recovery myself. I was homeless from drug addiction in 2005 so, I’m really passionate about helping people and people can get through this,” shared mayor Marciano. “I think they loose hope along the way and when people hear the story, that you can get through, like Melissa’s story, it gives you hope.”

OPD officials have responded to 39 overdose incidents since the start of 2024 totaling more than 1,400 in the past 5 years.

“The one thing I tell anyone that’s an addict, just hold on. It can get better. It will get better, just give it a chance, just hold on.”

Marciano said the program was launched in 2018 and has helped more than 500 people find success.

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