PHILADELPHIA -- Some people say that illegal drugs like heroin, crack and Ecstasy are a big reason that the streets aren't safe this summer for many children in Philadelphia.

Video: Overcomers Help People Overcome Drugs

In NBC 10's ongoing coverage of murders in Philadelphia, the station took a look at a program that is helping people say "no" to drugs, even decades after being hooked.

"I got high the day before, started hemorrhaging that night and by morning I had lost just about all of the blood in my body," said Arabella Ross.

"Marijuana to snorting cocaine, angel dust, speed pills, some of everything. I was in what they would call an experimental stage," said Michelle Josey.

These are the stories of former drug users, people who came close to losing everything, including their lives. But they were saved.

What helped keep them out of trouble was a program called Truth Overcomers Ministry, which is run out of the Truth Baptist Church in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia.

Founder DeCarlo Carter said God helped him and now he is trying to do that for others.

"I started getting high at 13 -- snorting drugs, smoking weed, selling. I went from the drug dealer to the drug user," Carter said. "Every day that we don't drink or do drugs -- every minute, every second, every hour -- I believe God is keeping me (out of trouble)," Carter told a group meeting.

The program, known as TOM, started in February. It is a 12-step program where every week participants are taught a new lesson in overcoming dependency. Every Thursday, 15 to 20 men and women who were once strangers, now come together to pray and support each other through the ups and downs of life.

"I knew I needed help, but in a way I was kind of ashamed to admit that I had this problem," Josey said.

Josey has been clean for more than 18 years.

Ross hasn't touched drugs in more than 30 years.

"I just beg God that if he would just let me live, I would never take another shot of cocaine again, and I didn't," Ross said.

The TOM program is open to everyone. The Truth Baptist Church is working on starting programs for young children, hoping that early intervention will lead to a positive future.