As Deborah Smith sat in her jail cell at Liberty Hall for prostitution and possessing drug paraphernalia, one word came to her mind. Tired. She was tired of the lifestyle she was living and wanted to make a change.
“I discussed with my case manager I wanted to change and she did some footwork for me and I took action,” said Smith.
Her desire to do better in life led her to Rahab’s Refuge, a transitional facility for women who wish to recover from destructive cycles. It’s no wonder the facility is named after a biblical prostitute turned hero, as Rahab’s Refuge provides a safe haven for women who have been homeless, recovering from substance abuse, victims of domestic violence or who have been incarcerated. The facility is equipped to house up to 14 women.
Their selection process differs from other transitional facilities in that Rahab’s staff is willing to take a chance on women who are simply motivated to change.
“When a woman comes to you, you don’t really know if her wanting to change is real or if it’s a lasting process,” said Gina Fears, CEO and program director. “We’re not ones to ask for money upfront. If you’re coming out of a domestic violence situation, you’ve left everything and if you’re coming off the street, needless to say that money’s spent.”
As a non-profit the facility uses support from corporations, foundations, grants and individuals to fund programs for women like Smith that offer assessments, substance prevention, life skills classes, 12 step classes and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Rahab’s staff also uses resources from other programs around the city such as Bethlehem’s House and the Martin Luther King Center to fill in the gaps and give women everything they need to make life changes.
“When we work hand in hand, a client can come to one door and we cut down some of the burden of individuals seeking services,” said Nate Rush, executive director of The Bethlehem House. “If we give them the run around they’re more apt to run into their friends who haven’t stopped yet and they put themselves in harm’s way trying to make an appointment.”
Fears and partner Toni Punch believes that through their own experience, research with women’s recovery and working in the non profit sector is what will further help women who come through their doors.
“Eleven years ago, I was at a place just like this, needing help, needing to change my life. I lived there and it was probably one of the best things that I’ve ever done for myself,” said Fears. “I put myself in the hands of women who had walked the same road who could give me suggestions or subtle commands on how to change my life. Once you get a gift like that, you have to help someone else.”
As a transitional house, length of stay varies from woman to woman but Fears and Punch’s main message is to provide a secure place for broken women to pick up the pieces and find direction in life.
Smith hasn’t been at Rahab’s Refuge long, but with a smile on her face, hope in her heart, and over 100 days of sobriety, she knows her journey and relies on the facility to help accomplish her goals such as staying off drugs and finding a job.
“I had a few job skills, but what led me into prostitution was the money and drugs. My challenges are finding a job, making amends, striving for long term goals I’ve set for myself,” said Smith.
Through Rahab’s Refuge mission, Fears wants all women to know that there is always hope and to never believe they can’t escape from homelessness, drugs, domestic violence or returning to prison. Whether it’s Rahab’s Refuge or another facility, women who want the help have many places to turn.
“If you’re out there on drugs, there’s another solution. There’s a better way of living. Rahab’s a motivational place for me. It’s motivated me to put my life into perspective,” said Smith.
For more information, call (317) 924-2500.
