History
The Birth of Restoration
A Story of Healing, Vision, and Purpose
In 1999, Buster Dupuis stepped into Dunklin Memorial Camp in Okeechobee, Florida, burdened by addiction—but it was there he discovered that addiction was only the surface. The deeper truth was this: healing had to begin within.
Through the guidance of God and the support of the Dunklin community, Buster learned to face the root causes of his pain. He began journaling, listening for the voice of the Lord, and allowing God to heal him from the inside out. Recovery was not just his journey—it became a family mission. Alongside his wife, Maria, and son, Jacob, Buster attended weekend classes that taught them how to walk-through restoration together.
After completing the program, God led the Dupuis family to South Louisiana. It was there that the vision was born: to give away what had been given to them. Restoration. Hope. A new way of life.
From that vision, A Place of Restoration (APOR) was founded—a place where men could encounter the same healing, truth, and transformation that changed Buster’s life. Today, every man who walks through APOR’s doors begins a journey not just of recovery, but of renewal through Christ.
About A Place of Restoration
From Vision to Reality
In 2003, A Place of Restoration was formed—a vision of healing, discipleship, and restoration. That vision became A Place of Restoration (APOR).
By 2005, APOR acquired fifteen acres of land in Gray, Louisiana. Through divine provision, three houses, a double-wide trailer, and an office trailer were donated and moved onto the property. Each structure was updated and prepared to serve as a sanctuary for transformation.
In August 2009, APOR officially opened its doors. Today, it houses up to 15 men, each on a journey to live free from addiction and walk in the fullness of God’s purpose.
Our Mission
APOR facilitates a discipleship program where men learn to:
What began as a dream is now a thriving ministry—made possible through:
Jeremy Smith
From Brokenness to Restoration
In 2011, Jeremy Smith arrived at A Place of Restoration in desperate need of help. What he found was more than recovery—he encountered the goodness of God for the first time and received a new life.
After completing the program, Jeremy chose to stay for Servant Leadership Training (SLT)—a one-year commitment to spiritual growth and leadership development. It was during this time that he felt a clear calling to full-time addiction ministry.
In 2013, Jeremy married his wife, Amber. Together, they’ve built a beautiful family with five children, and they continue to live on-site, serving the APOR community with love and dedication.
By 2020, Jeremy had stepped into the role of Program Director, overseeing the day-to-day operations of APOR. He leads alongside a team of humble, grateful staff—many of whom are former graduates—who share a passion for restoration and discipleship.
🙌 Giving Glory to God
Buster, Maria, the staff, and board members give all the glory to God for what has been and continues to be accomplished through A Place of Restoration. Every life changed, every family restored, and every man set free is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
A Story of Healing, Vision, and Purpose
In 1999, Buster Dupuis stepped into Dunklin Memorial Camp in Okeechobee, Florida, burdened by addiction—but it was there he discovered that addiction was only the surface. The deeper truth was this: healing had to begin within.
Through the guidance of God and the support of the Dunklin community, Buster learned to face the root causes of his pain. He began journaling, listening for the voice of the Lord, and allowing God to heal him from the inside out. Recovery was not just his journey—it became a family mission. Alongside his wife, Maria, and son, Jacob, Buster attended weekend classes that taught them how to walk-through restoration together.
After completing the program, God led the Dupuis family to South Louisiana. It was there that the vision was born: to give away what had been given to them. Restoration. Hope. A new way of life.
From that vision, A Place of Restoration (APOR) was founded—a place where men could encounter the same healing, truth, and transformation that changed Buster’s life. Today, every man who walks through APOR’s doors begins a journey not just of recovery, but of renewal through Christ.
About A Place of Restoration
From Vision to Reality
In 2003, A Place of Restoration was formed—a vision of healing, discipleship, and restoration. That vision became A Place of Restoration (APOR).
By 2005, APOR acquired fifteen acres of land in Gray, Louisiana. Through divine provision, three houses, a double-wide trailer, and an office trailer were donated and moved onto the property. Each structure was updated and prepared to serve as a sanctuary for transformation.
In August 2009, APOR officially opened its doors. Today, it houses up to 15 men, each on a journey to live free from addiction and walk in the fullness of God’s purpose.
Our Mission
APOR facilitates a discipleship program where men learn to:
- Hear from the Lord through journaling and prayer
- Confront the root causes of addiction
- Embrace accountability, leadership, and spiritual growth
- Restore relationships and rebuild their lives
What began as a dream is now a thriving ministry—made possible through:
- Donations from generous supporters
- APOR Lawn Care Service
- Construction enterprises
- Annual fundraisers, including our beloved Golf Tournament
Jeremy Smith
From Brokenness to Restoration
In 2011, Jeremy Smith arrived at A Place of Restoration in desperate need of help. What he found was more than recovery—he encountered the goodness of God for the first time and received a new life.
After completing the program, Jeremy chose to stay for Servant Leadership Training (SLT)—a one-year commitment to spiritual growth and leadership development. It was during this time that he felt a clear calling to full-time addiction ministry.
In 2013, Jeremy married his wife, Amber. Together, they’ve built a beautiful family with five children, and they continue to live on-site, serving the APOR community with love and dedication.
By 2020, Jeremy had stepped into the role of Program Director, overseeing the day-to-day operations of APOR. He leads alongside a team of humble, grateful staff—many of whom are former graduates—who share a passion for restoration and discipleship.
🙌 Giving Glory to God
Buster, Maria, the staff, and board members give all the glory to God for what has been and continues to be accomplished through A Place of Restoration. Every life changed, every family restored, and every man set free is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
