Introducing Jean & Charles LaCour
Jean and Charles LaCour
For nearly twenty years, the LaCours have dedicated their lives to nurturing, equipping and training Christians to serve the needs of hurting people. Their passion is fueled by a firsthand experience of God’s power which saved them from addiction and destructive lifestyles.
In her search for fulfillment, Jean LaCour was once involved in a hippie lifestyle that eventually left her broken before realizing her need for Christ. Charles’s journey was similar. He forfeited a successful career in South Florida’s hotel industry before he found salvation and recovery. As they continued together in recovery and grew spiritually, they had a real desire to bring the message of healing they received to others who were in need.
In 1996, they founded the NET Training Institute to meet the training needs of the Florida Network on Addictions – which was established in the 1980’s. The Institute was formally incorporated in 1998. The acronym stands for their first priority; to NURTURE, EQUIP & TRAIN front line workers and others concerned about the ravages caused by addiction. Their goal is to support Christian workers who are on the front lines of human problems and pain.
Their teaching and curricula integrates solid Christian spiritual perspectives and sound clinical approaches. It supports students in their continued recovery and personal growth while learning the knowledge, attitudes and skills to help others who suffer. Their approach is strength based, building on the unique capabilities of the client, the counselor and the recovery coach to promote increased wellness.
Since its inception, the NET Institute has served over 4,000 students, including individuals from India, Egypt, Russia, Finland, Ghana, Africa, Ireland, Central and South America, Pakistan, South Africa, Singapore, Iran, Sri Lanka, Ireland, UK and Bermuda. Their addiction curriculum meets international standards for several professional addiction certification boards thereby providing foreign students with a truly unique training opportunity.
In 1997, NET Training Institute was among the founding organizations of the International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition (ISAAC). Charles and Jean have provided support for training conferences and workshops. And they have partnered with member organizations desiring to establish more extensive training programs in their own nations. Dr. Jean LaCour has served at every level of ISAAC leadership, including President.
In 2007, Charles and Jean, along with their colleagues at the NET Institute, collaborated with City Vision University to develop a uniquely Christian online bachelors degree completion program in Addiction Studies. Intended to help workers in the recovery field obtain their undergraduate degrees, it has become the most popular course of study at the university.
Dr. Jean LaCour has led the way in networking with a cadre of faith-based instructors and leaders who worked to develop five diploma programs and over 350 hours of addiction, recovery and ministry curricula. She holds a doctorate in counseling psychology from Cornerstone University. Dr. Jean is both a licensed clinical pastoral counselor and a certified addiction prevention professional. She has served on the federal government’s SMHSA steering committee for its Partners for Recovery Initiative and on the leadership council of the International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition whose members come from over 30 nations.
Charles LaCour has an extensive background in business, real estate and community service, including service as past president of both the Daytona Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the Daytona Beach Hotel/Motel Association. Charles is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in mathematics and has training from the International Seminary in Central Florida. He is also a graduate of Leadership Daytona and the prestigious Leadership Florida sponsored by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Charles holds the Certified Addiction Professional credential in the State of Florida.
For their leadership and commitment, all Christians who work in the field of addiction recovery owe them a debt of gratitude.
