The Healing House in Jefferson City will welcome its first residents this month.
However, first, operator Heather Gieck and the not-for-profit's board of directors will host an open house for the community from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at 1418 West Main St.
The center will be the city's first recovery house and program for women who suffer from substance abuse, she said. The seven-bed facility will have high expectations for women coming out of prison or a recovery program.
A Christian-based ministry, the primary efforts center on providing shelter and resources to guide women to make good decisions, said Rev. James Jackson, board vice president.
The Healing House will provide a very structured environment to help women who are re-entering the community.
Gieck said many women have told her, ""This is what I need.' That tells me they're willing and in that willingness a miracle's going to happen."
Since its first major, public fundraiser in October, Gieck has spoken to many church and civic groups about the Healing House, and support has followed.
Quilters from Trinity Lutheran Church donated quilts for the dorm-style bedrooms, and Immanuel Baptist women prepared care packages for the new arrivals. Other churches have taken up collections.
"They've been gracious and generous," Gieck said. "I think God is touching people's hearts. When they see me, hear my story and see the fruit of my labor, I hope it sparks something so they know people can change."
Fresh Water Church, a new southern Baptist church in town, also has taken an interest in the Healing House's work. Pastor Joshua Hartley said the congregation is looking at ways to support the ministry with time and talent.
"God loves the hurting," Hartley said. "No person is so far away from God that God doesn't love them."
Tuesday's open house will allow neighbors in particular to get a better idea of what the program is about.
"We want them to know this is not a threat," she said. "These are people seeking a changed way of life."
Barbecue will be served, and the home will be open for tours. Board members will be available to answer questions and explain the program's goals. Local law enforcement and community leaders also will discuss their support.
The women will pay $100 each week to stay at the home, and the hope is the program will become self-sustaining. For now, donations are needed in terms of monetary contributions and other items, like toiletries and Bibles.
"We're stepping out on faith," Glieck said.
The first goal is to make the house welcoming, creating a place where the women will feel safe with a sense of belonging. After that, the women can work on being themselves.
"I want to walk these ladies down the same path I went down," Gieck said. "If God will deliver me, he will deliver them."