People in recovery often return to environments that contributed to their addiction. Given that environmental cues can trigger relapse, it's crucial to help them find safe, new surroundings for a stable recovery. In Rutherford County, women in recovery shouldn't have to choose between stable housing and reunification with their children, yet there is a lack of housing that accommodates both. The Sweet Addiction seeks to bridge this gap by providing a home where women can host their children for overnight visits while receiving mentorship and training to navigate life and parenting through the lens of sobriety.

Family recovery housing is directly relevant to The Sweet Addiction's mission of empowering women survivors for several reasons:

1. Personal Empowerment and Stability: By providing housing, The Sweet Addiction helps women avoid high-risk environments that can trigger relapse, supporting their journey to personal stability and sober living.
2. Professional Growth: Stable housing and a supportive environment give women the foundation needed to focus on job readiness and skills training, which aligns with The Sweet Addiction's efforts to foster professional success. When basic needs like housing are met, women can more effectively engage in The Sweet Addiction's job readiness programs and other training initiatives.
3. Relational Reunification: Offering housing that accommodates both women and their children directly supports relational empowerment. This setup allows mothers to reunite and build strong, healthy relationships with their children in a stable setting, promoting healing and strengthening family bonds.
4. Community Integration: By fostering a nurturing environment where women can live with their children while learning essential life and parenting skills, The Sweet Addiction not only helps them individually but also encourages positive community reintegration. This prepares them to be stable, contributing members of the community, aligned with the mission's goal of empowering women relationally and in community.

In essence, the housing program is an essential component for The Sweet Addiction to achieve its mission of holistic empowerment—helping women rebuild their lives in a way that addresses their needs as individuals, parents, and community members. We can strengthen families by providing a home where women in recovery can reside with their children in a supportive environment providing both mother and child with tools to successfully transition to life after addiction.