When you honor me, you are really honoring Jesus Christ. Any honor I receive, I accept with a sense of inadequacy and humility, and I will reserve the right to hand all of these to Christ when I see Him face to face.
–Billy Graham
When Jessica Williams cut the ribbon, opening the doors to Hope House, she was fulfilling a five-year-old vision. The home, which was once a florist and bed and breakfast will be a “home of hope” for women recovering from addiction, operated by the nonprofit Never2Scarred.
“It’s a Christ centered recovery program,” said Williams, who will serve as the executive director of the nonprofit.
Hope House is a residential Christian Restoration & Transformation Program, designed to be a 90-day intensive healing, heart restoration and therapy program for women.
The home will accommodate seven women, age 18 and above. The supervised program will focus on discipleship, counseling, and teaching.
“Women in recovery can apply for the program,” said Williams. “They must go through detox before they can enter the program. They’ll be able to stay three to six months. Their time here will focus on healing and hope.”
The house and program is being funded by churches, nonprofits, individuals and businesses. The home will operate with two full time staff and volunteers.
Berry Chapel, Bear Creek Baptist and First Baptist of Spruce Pine have helped “spearhead the project,” said Williams. “They have provided funds, furniture, supplies, volunteers, and prayers… lots of prayers. We wouldn’t be here without them.”
As you enter Hope House there is a plaque with the scripture from Romans 15:13 dedicating the house in honor of Henry and Joyce Boone. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
“That is Joyce’s prayer for us,” said Williams. “She is our prayer warrior. She has prayed that verse throughout this house. She’s prayed with me and for me and over me. She has prayed for the women who will live here, that they find healing, and hope and feel the love of Christ. She walked through and prayed over every room in this house throughout the entire process.”
Williams said the Boones have encouraged her and supported her in her faith and in the journey.
“But this house and program isn’t about me, or my story,” said Williams. “This is about the one who saved me. God has used me and Mitchell County to fulfill this mission. Joyce and Henry have been a part of that plan.”
Residents will come from all walks of life, said Williams, who is working closely with law enforcement agencies, the court system and the department of social services. All of these agencies see the need for the program.
Steve Miller also sees the need for the program. A close friend of the Williams’ family when they came to minister at Pine Branch Baptist Church, Miller watched as the kid he had gone on mission trips with, worshipped with, and grew to love as a daughter, slipped into a drug dependency lifestyle.
“Jessica knew our door was open,” said Miller. “When she needed support, non-judgmental support from nonparents, she came to our house. This house will be that for others. It will be for people that feel like they have no one… it will be life changing for them and their kids.”
Brooke Stamey is a support group volunteer. She said the biggest challenge facing incoming residents will be surrendering the addiction and learning to trust. “It’s hard for people who are living a life of addiction to trust,” said Stamey. “We’re going to help them with that.”
Hope House will give those in recovery an opportunity to learn to trust again, and to learn that there are people who love them and will walk with them through the healing process.
“There is hope here,” said Williams. “The hardest thing for women coming here will be leaving what is familiar. But there is hope here, and love.”
How you can help
Room sponsorships: Hope House has opportunities for room sponsorships for churches, civic organizations, and individuals. Items needed include bedding, linens, and personal hygiene products.
Funding: Never2Scarred is a nonprofit 501(c)3. Donations are tax deductible.
Volunteers: Hope House has a number of volunteer opportunities, from educational program facilitators to Bible study leaders, to counselors.
Contact Jessica Williams at never2scarred@gmail.com