User:Jbenton7595

Jonathan William Benton (August 29,1933-Novemebr 1, 2017)) Was an American author and the Founder/President of the Walter Hoving Home, Inc., that provides drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs for women aged 17 and older. There are currently 4 locations in operation: the first facility In Garrison, NY, then Pasadena, CA, Las Vegas, Nevada, Oxford, NJ.

Although a prolific writer, Benton is best known for the 50 + years that he and his wife Elsie worked with troubled girls caught in substance abuse addiction.

Benton's first book, "Debs, Dolls and Dope" is an autobiographical published by Flemming H. Revell. (Now https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baker_Publishing_Group) The book explains how John Benton and his wife, Elsie Benton, began reaching out to help prostitutes in New York City. The Bentons would routinely encounter prostitutes working on the streets in the lower east side of Manhattan, and they developed relationships with the girls, hoping to offer them an opportunity for a new life away from the abuse they experienced on the street. Those encounters necessitated that the Benton's have a place for the girls to stay, and as a result the Walter Hoving Home was born.

Benton's second book, "Carmen", also published by Revell, began a series of novels based on vignettes taken from stories told to the Bentons by the girls who came through the Walter Hoving Home. Interviews from the girls brought forth memories of their criminal past, and using these experiences John was inspired to write novels that capture the essence of life on the streets.

Benton has written 4 nonfiction books: "Do you Know Where Your Children Are?" and "How to Get Along With Everyone" which are designed to help people in personal relationships. "Every Lady Deserves a Chance" and "One Lady At A Time" describe the nature of the work that the Bentons do to provide for the ladies that come to them for help. Benton also authored a pamphlet entitled "Seven Standards of Performance for Christians" that defines the behaviors of a devoted Christian.

Benton's most productive period lasted 10 years during the late 70's and early 80's. It was during this that he authored over 35 books. The books were popular among Christian female adolescents who wanted to read about the dangerous lives of individuals caught in destructive lifestytes. Each novel has a redemptive conclusion where the protagonist discovers an escape from their addiction using faith in God as a path to sobriety.

His books have been translated into 5 languages and published worldwide.

In the late 80's, Benton stopped writing novels and focused on self-published titles that allowed him to promote the Water Hoving Home.

Most of Jonathan Benton's books are out of print, but some can still be found on Amazon and eBay.