The Phoenix Recovery House

The Change Initiative, a powerful movement founded by a group of compassionate women committed to making a significant difference in our community. Our journey began with providing winter shelters to protect the unhoused, evolving to address the complex issues of addiction and homelessness.

Recognizing a vital need, we established the Phoenix Recovery House—a sanctuary for women seeking sobriety and a deeper healing. Our mission goes beyond achieving sobriety; we aim to address the underlying causes of substance use, equipping women with the necessary skills to navigate life’s challenges. This includes developing emotional intelligence, life management skills, and the resilience needed for sustained recovery.

The Phoenix Recovery House offers more than shelter; it’s a transformative program where women undertake a holistic one-year journey. This journey involves not only meeting recovery milestones but also engaging with the community, pursuing educational opportunities, and planning for future careers. Our approach is designed to ensure that by the end of their stay, residents are ready to live independently and confidently.

A key aspect of our program is supporting both women and their children, facilitating family reunification and creating stable, nurturing environments. To date, several women and their children have found hope and new beginnings through our program, supported by the incredible generosity of community members and partnerships with organizations like the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties.

At The Phoenix Recovery House, we are not just changing individual lives—we are transforming families. We invite you to join us on this profound journey of empowerment, recovery, and resilience, as we continue to make a lasting impact on our community and beyond.

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change Agents at your service

Welcome to The Change Initiative, where our dedicated team of board members and staff are deeply committed to advocating for those without a voice. Our board is led by Loraina Lafferty, serving as President, with Laura Matheney as Vice President, Hattie Wright as Treasurer, and Afton Aman as Secretary. Our committed members include Dr. Kristi James and Brandi Robinson who also serves as Clinical Director for our future endeavors.

At the helm of our operations is a leadership team grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience. Anjellica Scott and Melissa Romano, LGSW, bring extensive backgrounds in program development, trauma-informed care, and organizational leadership—ensuring that every decision aligns with our mission and values. We are also proud to have Tia Stout serving as our Program Coordinator. A Peer Recovery Support Specialist and SMART Recovery Facilitator, Tia brings heart, authenticity, and an unmatched dedication to the people we serve. Her lived experience and compassionate leadership make her an invaluable part of our team and the communities we support.

At The Change Initiative, we believe in the power of community to drive meaningful change. We value diverse perspectives and understand that there is no single way to achieve progress. Our team operates on the principles of teamwork and accountability, essential for effective advocacy and support. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment, recognizing and honoring the varied strengths and needs of the people we work with, regardless of their socio-economic background, sobriety status, or situation.

Together, we are more than just a team; we are a village working hand-in-hand to uplift our community and bring about sustainable change.

Our Mission

To initiate positive change by improving quality of life that leads to a purposeful being.

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