In 2025, The Sweet Addiction (TSA) was once again honored to walk alongside brave women determined to rewrite the narrative of their lives. These women have faced addiction, trauma, and incarceration - but with courage and resilience, they have begun building futures filled with purpose and hope.

In one year, we celebrated the incredible accomplishments of M and K, who both completed TSA’s program and secured positions at the Tennessee Professional Career Institute. What once seemed impossible became achievable thanks to the confidence, skills, and readiness they gained in our program.

We also rejoice in J’s journey. After giving birth to her child, J chose not to step away from her recovery path but instead pressed forward, working part-time at TSA while taking on a new role as a peer specialist at Recovery Court. Her story embodies the ripple effect of healing - women who once needed support are now standing strong to guide others.

But alongside these triumphs, there is urgent need. Each month, more and more women reach out to TSA desperately seeking help. Too often, we are forced to say no - not because there isn’t room in our hearts, but because there aren’t enough resources to provide the critical next step in their recovery journey.

That “next step” is safe, stable housing. Too many women completing recovery programs are forced to return to environments that once fueled their addiction. Surrounded by triggers and instability, the fight for sobriety becomes even harder. In Rutherford County, mothers face an impossible choice: stable housing, or reunification with their children. The housing that exists doesn’t allow both. This is the gap TSA is determined to close.

Our vision is the creation of STEP homes - special transitional housing where women in recovery can safely live, rebuild, and host their children for overnight visits, surrounded by mentorship, training, and support. STEP homes are not just shelters; they are sanctuaries of hope, where mothers rebuild bonds with their children while gaining the tools to parent and live through the lens of sobriety.

Family recovery housing is at the heart of TSA’s mission for four powerful reasons:
Personal Empowerment & Stability: By removing women from high-risk environments, STEP homes protect their recovery and strengthen their personal stability.
Professional Growth: With safe housing secured, women can fully engage in TSA’s job-readiness and skills training programs, laying the foundation for lasting independence.
Relational Reunification: By making safe family visits possible, STEP homes create healing spaces where mothers and children can rebuild healthy, loving relationships.
Community Integration: Women who grow strong in recovery and reconnection with their families become thriving, contributing members of the community.

By combining mentorship, job training, financial coaching, and safe housing, TSA is cultivating more than transformation - we are cultivating generational change.

As we look forward to the 2026 Boro Baking Bash, we invite you to be part of these stories. Join us for an evening of great food, entertainment and friendly bake off competition.

Your support directly fuels life-changing programs like STEP homes and supports the women walking bravely toward freedom, stability, and joy.