​Recovery isn't always a straight line. That's why second chances matter.

Seven years ago, when Roots opened the doors to our first six-bed recovery home in Memphis, Amanda became our very first resident.

We had no idea then what the next seven years would bring—for Amanda or for Roots. Her journey has included recovery and relapse, motherhood and marriage, tremendous personal loss, rebuilding and starting again. Roots is honored to be apart of her journey and her's apart of ours.

It hasn't been a straight line. But recovery rarely is.

Today, Amanda is thriving.

She's built a successful career in healthcare business development. She's a mother, a wife a professional and sharing her lived experience to help others. She's a woman whose story continued long after she walked through the doors of Hale House.

This is recovery.
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Not perfection. Not a straight line. But continuing to get back up, rebuild and move forward.
Seven years later, women are still walking through our doors looking for that same opportunity.
This Recovery Month & Roots 7th Anniversary,, help us make sure that door stays open.

​Seven years ago, with 19 years in recovery, I saw a gap in recovery housing I couldn't unsee.

And as a mother of two children who both experienced the treatment → recovery housing → relapse loop, I saw a need for an approach that could help women stay connected to recovery housing longer—one rooted in compassion, second chances and accountability with dignity.

My own experiences with substance use, domestic violence, childhood adversity, complex trauma and codependency taught me that women need more than a roof. They need a safe place to get out of survival mode—to feel grounded, make mistakes, learn from them and heal.

So I started Roots.

What I didn't know was how much healing I still had ahead of me.
Over these seven years, I've experienced divorce, started over, lost my own safe housing, entered trauma therapy, faced the death of my sibling and continual healing hard truths about myself and my family.
I've questioned myself. I've questioned my purpose. And I've shared what I've learned along the way with the women at Roots.

Because I don't lead Roots from a place of having it all figured out.
I lead it from lived experience.

Today, I have 26 years substance-free, and that first six-bed house has grown to four homes in two counties, serving 23 women and children.

But Roots has grown faster than its funding.
I've worked multiple jobs and made personal sacrifices to keep it going, all while asking God, “Is this still what You want me to do?”

So far, the answer has always been yes.

But I don't believe the next seven years are supposed to be carried by one person.
We need our community now.
Roots needs 25 more monthly donors to help stabilize Roots and keep safe, affordable recovery housing available for women who need it.

​One Year of Miracles 💚

​One year ago, Zakai entered the world far earlier than expected. His tiny life began with uncertainty, countless prayers, and a mother's determination to stay rooted in recovery.

They recently celebrated something much bigger than a first birthday.

It was a celebration of a family that stayed together.
It was a celebration of a mother who continued choosing recovery, one day at a time.
It was a celebration of a recovery community that surrounded them with love, housing, and hope when they needed it most.

At Roots, we had the privilege of walking alongside Zakai and his mom on this journey, and every milestone that follows. Watching him grow into a healthy, happy little boy has been one of our greatest blessings.

Happy 1st Birthday, Zakai! You remind us that miracles happen every day, and that recovery changes generations. 💚🎂🌱

For one weekend, we stepped away from the noise.

No distractions. No expectations. Just a group of women gathered together in nature with open hearts, ready to reconnect, reflect, heal, and grow.

Roots Retreat 2026, “Planting Seeds,” was a beautiful reminder of what happens when women have a safe space to be seen, heard, and supported.

Throughout the weekend, women participated in healing circles, journaling, meditation, connection activities, yoga, nature walks, and powerful conversations about letting go of what keeps us stuck — while intentionally planting seeds for the women we are becoming.

We laughed. We cried. We released. We rested. We remembered we are not alone.
One of the most beautiful parts of the weekend was watching women from all different stages of recovery come together — some with decades of sobriety, some just beginning their journey — sharing wisdom, encouragement, and hope with one another.

Because healing happens in connection.

A heartfelt thank you to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, and supporter who made this weekend possible. Because of you, women were given the opportunity to step away, breathe, and focus on their own healing. Your generosity helped create a space where women could reconnect with themselves and each other.

The seeds planted during this weekend will continue growing long after we left the woods. 🌱

Strong Roots. New Growth. Beautiful Beginnings. 💚

Last September, Heather walked through the doors of Roots Recovery Housing… and within a few days, she left. Soon she was sitting in jail facing multiple court cases, possible prison time, and the heartbreak of a DHS case.

But her story wasn’t over.

Ben Owen and We Fight Monsters raised the money needed to get her out of jail and she was released back to Roots Recovery Housing — and this time, Heather made a decision to fight for her life.

In January, Roots stood beside her in court as the judge decided whether to revoke her probation or give her time to prove she was ready for change. She was given six months.

And Heather got busy.

She found a sponsor. Built a recovery community. Became a leader in our community. Showed up at work until she became one of the most trusted people on her team.

She took Ubers from Tennessee to Arkansas for visits with her daughter and probation appointments. She paid her fees. She made every court date. Every visit. Every requirement.

Recovery didn’t mean everything magically became easy. There have been painful losses. Heather is still fighting, still healing, and still walking through hard things.

But today… we walked back into the same courtroom that gave her six months to change the direction of her life. And they closed her case.

Then we went back to Roots, packed her belongings, and moved her into her sister’s home — where her boys were waiting for their mom.

This is recovery.
Not perfection.
Not without loss.

But showing up every day and doing the next right thing.

Heather is breaking cycles she was born into and creating something new for her children.
We are so proud of you, Heather. Keep growing.
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If you'd like to donate to our mission to keep women housed while the miracle happens...click here: https://www.zeffy.com/.../donation.../gimme-shelter-project
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Kendra Duncan’s Cake Fundraiser for Roots 🍰
We are so grateful for the heart and generosity behind our recent cake fundraiser, led by our very own board member, Kendra Duncan.

What started as a simple idea turned into something truly special — a community coming together over homemade cakes to support women in recovery. Every bid, every share, and every sweet treat purchased helped provide safe, stable housing and support for the women we serve at Roots.

Fundraisers like this do more than raise money — they create connections. They remind our women that they are seen, supported, and worth investing in.

Kendra, thank you for using your time, creativity, and heart to make a real impact. And to everyone who participated — thank you for showing up in such a meaningful (and delicious!) way.
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Because of you, more women will have a safe place to land, heal, and rebuild.
💛
A special thanks to our bakers- 
Shelby Matthews Finch
Brittany Cogbill
Jaycee Taylor
Eat Moore Cake  & Savannah Moore
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556416299165

🌿 Thank You to Our Retreat Sponsors 🌿

As we prepare for our upcoming Roots Recovery Retreat, we are deeply grateful for the sponsors who make this weekend of healing possible.

To all of our sponsors — thank you for helping create a space where women can heal, connect, and begin again.
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With deep gratitude,
Roots Retreat Team 🌿

Our Jackson community showed up once again!

When we shared a need for a new car seat for Serenity, the community responded with incredible generosity. Within 24 hours, Serenity had a brand-new car seat that will grow with her for years to come.
Moments like this remind us how powerful community support can be. A simple act of kindness can bring peace of mind to a mom and safety for her child.
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To everyone who stepped up to help — thank you for showing up for our families. We are so grateful to be surrounded by a community that continues to care for our residents and their children in such meaningful ways. 🙏🏻💛

All four Christmas trees are up across our Roots Recovery homes, bringing warmth and holiday spirit to our residents and their families.
A heartfelt thank you to Bartlett United Methodist Church for their incredible generosity in placing Christmas gifts under all four trees. Your kindness will help make the holidays brighter for the women and children in our community.
Moments like these remind us how powerful it is when a community comes together to show love and support.
From all of us at Roots — thank you for helping make Christmas special. 🎄💚

Roots Retreat 2026
Nurture your growth.
Ground your spirit.
Heal in community.
A transformative weekend for women on the path of recovery and renewal.
CLICK HERE to visit Roots Retreat Page for more information and see previous Retreats.

Roots Recovery Housing has released its second workbook on Amazon, the Soul Trip Journal, with all proceeds supporting our “Bridging the Gap” Fund — helping residents with rent, medications, and other essential needs during difficult moments.

Our first workbook, The Fix, introduced the original recovery journey workbook. The new Soul Trip Journal focuses on deeper healing with prompts exploring inner child work, co-dependency, toxic relationships, ego, and personal growth for women on their soul trip journey.
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By purchasing these workbooks, readers not only support their own healing but also help women in recovery maintain stable housing and continued support through Roots. 🌱

Click Below to Order Yours Today & Support Recovery Housing for women and kids.

​✨ Friendsgiving 2025 brought our four Roots Recovery communities together under one roof to share food, laughter, and gratitude — a beautiful reminder that none of us walk this journey alone.

Residents, alumni, and friends gathered around tables overflowing with food and fellowship. The evening included reflection worksheets, a meet-and-match activity to make new friends, and time to enjoy community and family together.

A special thank you to Board Member Kendra Duncan, the Old Country Store, and all the amazing women who showed up to make this gathering so meaningful.
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Moments like this remind us that at Roots, healing happens in community, connection, and shared hope.

​Recently, our Jackson recovery homes, alumni, and community members gathered for a special evening centered around one powerful idea: the courage to look at & let go.

The event theme, “From Hungry Ghosts to Healing Ghosts,” invited participants to reflect on the difference between the parts of us that keep craving, chasing, and grasping — and the parts of us that are learning to heal, grow, and live in freedom.

In recovery, the idea of “hungry ghosts” often represents the endless cycle of craving and addiction — the feeling of never quite having enough and constantly searching for something to fill the void.
But recovery is about transformation.

Through worksheets and group reflection, participants explored the contrast between Hungry Ghosts (patterns of craving, addiction, and survival) and Healing Ghosts (growth, acceptance, and letting go).
The evening included creative crafts, activities, and open conversation that allowed women to process their experiences in a supportive and meaningful way. As the sun set, the group gathered around the fire for a symbolic moment of release — letting go of old patterns and honoring the healing work each person is doing.

What made the evening even more special was the presence of our alumni and community members, who continue to walk alongside current residents in their recovery journeys.

Moments like these remind us that recovery is not just about sobriety — it’s about community, reflection, and learning to live differently.

At Roots, we believe healing happens not only in structured programs but also in shared experiences, creativity, and the courage to face our past while choosing a new path forward.
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From hungry ghosts to healing ghosts — we are learning, together, how to let go and move toward wholeness.

​A huge shout out to our own Nikki for her hard work and graduation from Recovery Court today!
We have watched Nikki show up and do everything that was asked of her. Along the way she faced many hard knocks, but she handled each challenge with a pleasant attitude and a grateful heart.
Nikki, your perseverance is inspiring. You are a miracle, and we are so proud of you.

This year, Roots Recovery Housing celebrates six years of hope, healing, and housing for women rebuilding their lives in recovery.

What began as a vision to create safe, supportive homes for women has grown into a thriving recovery community. Today, Roots operates four recovery houses serving 23 women and children at a time, providing stability, support, and a path forward for families working to rebuild their lives.

At Roots, we believe recovery begins with safe housing and supportive community. Our homes are places where women can focus on healing, reconnect with their children, rebuild their independence, and create a foundation for lasting recovery.

Over the past six years, we have witnessed incredible courage from the women who walk through our doors. Each resident carries her own story of resilience, determination, and hope for a better future.
And none of this would be possible without the support of our community.

From volunteers and donors to community partners and supporters, you have helped create spaces where women and families can begin again.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future — continuing to expand housing, deepen recovery support, and reach more women who need a safe place to land.

🌱 Roots is celebrating 6 years of hope, healing, and housing.
And together, we continue helping women plant seeds for a new life.

💚 4 homes. 23 women and children served at a time. Countless lives impacted.
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Thank you for being part of the Roots community.

Roots Recovery Housing is THRILLED to announce the opening of our newest women’s recovery home in Jackson, Tennessee. This marks our second new recovery home opening this year, allowing us to expand our mission and serve even more women seeking a safe and supportive place to rebuild their lives.

The new home is truly a special space. Located in a peaceful neighborhood with convenient access to transportation and local resources, the house was thoughtfully chosen to support both recovery and stability.

The home comfortably houses up to eight women and meets all Tennessee recovery housing guidelines to ensure a safe and supportive living environment. Inside, the home features spacious rooms, many with private ensuite bathrooms, offering residents an added level of privacy and dignity as they focus on their recovery journey.

Outside, the property includes a beautiful backyard space that will allow us to host gatherings, recovery events, and community-building activities for residents.
Even before officially opening our doors, interest in the home has been overwhelming. We are already welcoming applications and expect the house to fill quickly. The need for safe, structured recovery housing continues to grow, and we are grateful to be able to expand our services to meet that need in Madison County and the surrounding communities.

At Roots, our homes are more than just a place to stay. They are safe havens where women can heal, find support, and begin building a strong foundation for long-term recovery.

We are honored to continue growing and look forward to serving more women in Jackson and throughout West Tennessee.
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Together, we are planting seeds of hope, healing, and new beginnings.

At Roots Recovery Housing, we often say that healing and recovery happen in community. Recently, we witnessed a beautiful reminder of just how powerful that community can be.

One of the young girls living in our Memphis recovery home was getting ready to start a new school year. Like many 12-year-olds, she had something special in mind — a hairstyle she was hoping for to help her walk into school feeling confident and excited.

So Roots put out a simple call to the community asking if anyone might be willing to help.
What happened next was something truly special.

Our community partners stepped up immediately. Local professionals generously donated their time, services, and talent to make sure this young girl received exactly what she had hoped for. Her hair appointment, services, and products were all provided completely free of charge.

But what happened that day went far beyond a hairstyle.
It was a moment where a young girl felt seen.
It was a moment where a mother felt supported.

And it was a moment where love and kindness wrapped around a family that is working hard to rebuild their lives.

To everyone who played a part in making this happen — thank you. Your generosity made one girl and her momma feel incredibly special, and it reminded us once again that when a community comes together, beautiful things happen.

At Roots, our homes are more than just housing. They are places where women and their children can heal, rebuild, and find hope for the future. Moments like this show our residents that they are not alone on that journey.

We are deeply grateful for a community that continues to show up, serve with love, and support our families in meaningful ways.

Because of you, our residents are reminded every day that they are valued, supported, and worthy of a bright future.
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Thank you for being part of the Roots community.

We are so incredibly thankful for our amazing community partners who continue to show up, serve with love, and pour into our residents with kindness and grace.

A special thank you to East Main Salon at The Collective for sharing your time, your hearts, and your talents with the women of Roots. 🖤

Your generosity goes far beyond hair and beauty services. You helped remind our ladies that they are seen, valued, beautiful, and loved — something that can mean the world to women who are rebuilding their lives in recovery.

Partnerships like this help strengthen our community and show our residents that they are supported by people who truly care.
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Thank you East Main Salon for loving our Roots community so well. 💚

​We are pleased to announce the arrival of Ellie, the newest member of the Roots Recovery Community.
Both momma and baby are doing great, and we are excited to welcome them home. Moments like this are incredibly special for our community and a beautiful reminder of the new beginnings that recovery makes possible.

At Roots, we often talk about breaking generational cycles — and today we celebrate a brand new life and a mom who is doing the hard work to create a healthier future for her child.

We are so proud of this momma and grateful to be part of a community where women are supported as they rebuild their lives and families.

Welcome to the world, Ellie. 🌱👶
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Because here at Roots, we do recover. 💛

​We are celebrating a big milestone in our Roots Jackson recovery community.

One of our residents has successfully regained her driver’s license after 15 years. This achievement didn’t come easily — it involved paying substantial fines, completing testing, and putting in the hard work required to truly clear away the wreckage of the past.

At Roots, we were honored to support her along the way. Through our Bridging the Gap fund, we helped address outstanding driving fees and matched her savings so she could move forward and complete the process.

Moments like this may seem simple on the outside, but for someone rebuilding their life, regaining a license represents freedom, responsibility, and new opportunities — from employment to independence.

We are incredibly proud of her determination and the work she put in to reach this milestone.

​Congratulations, sweet lady. Your hard work is paying off, and we are cheering you on every step of the way. 🌱🚗

​It was a beautiful day at the Roots Memphis Sparrow House, where the little ones enjoyed a sweet front yard picnic filled with sunshine, snacks, and laughter.

Moments like these remind us why this work matters so much. At Roots, the moms in our homes are working incredibly hard to break generational cycles and create new paths for themselves and their children.

Recovery is not just about healing for today — it’s about building a better future for the next generation.

We are also excited to share that Roots, in collaboration with We Fight Monsters, is opening a women and kid–friendly recovery house in Memphis. This partnership will allow us to expand our mission and provide safe, supportive housing for even more moms and their children.

Seeing these beautiful babies playing safely in the yard is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when mothers are given the stability and support they need to rebuild their lives.
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At Roots, we are proud to stand beside these women as they create healthier futures for themselves and their families. 🌱

Today was all about celebrating new life and surrounding a momma and baby with love.

Our Roots community gathered to shower Jodi and her baby with gifts, encouragement, and support as she prepares to welcome her little one into the world.

This is an especially meaningful moment for Roots, as this will be the first baby born into our Roots recovery community — a beautiful reminder of how recovery creates space for new beginnings, healing, and family.

A heartfelt thank you to Kendra Duncan & Old Country Store for helping make the day so special and for showing such generosity and kindness to Jodi and her growing family.

Moments like these remind us that Roots is more than housing — it’s a community that celebrates life, hope, and the future.
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We can’t wait to welcome this little one into the Roots family. 🌱👶❤️

At Roots, so much of the work that helps our homes thrive happens behind the scenes.

Each month, the Roots Board of Directors gathers to discuss how we can best serve the women in our homes, strengthen our programs, and continue building a community where recovery can grow and flourish.

These meetings are where ideas are shared, challenges are worked through, and decisions are made with one goal in mind — supporting the women of Roots.

A special shoutout to the Memphis Alano Club for always being a welcoming place for our community to gather
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And we are missing Kim M. today — your presence and heart are always felt in this work. 🙏❤️🙏
It truly takes a village to make Roots possible, and we are grateful for the people who help create the magic behind the scenes every single month. 🌱