Restoring Women Outreach Launches The CJ House for Recovery

Restoring Women Outreach (RWO) has officially launched its sixth sober-living home, named The CJ House, in Cullman, Alabama. The announcement was made by Carol Berry, the founder and Executive Director of RWO, who emphasized the organization’s commitment to offering safe and structured housing for women recovering from substance use disorder. The new facility is dedicated to Berry’s late daughter, CJ, and is set to welcome its first residents within five weeks.

A Meaningful Legacy

According to Berry, the mission of RWO has always been inspired by her daughter’s strength and spirit. “It is our hope that every woman who walks through the doors of The CJ House will experience the same love, resilience, and hope that CJ embodied,” she remarked. The opening of this sixth home was made possible through the generous contributions of the Cullman community, including individual donors, churches, and businesses that have provided resources, furnishings, and ongoing support.

Local attorney and husband of Carol Berry, Johnny Berry, shared the origins of the program, highlighting the pivotal role played by the late Dorothy Frady. “Mrs. Frady was a wonderful lady who rented us a spare house for just $1 for the entire year, which launched this outreach program,” he stated. “Had it not been for her, we would not have reached this point.” Johnny Berry also recounted his own struggles with addiction, underscoring the program’s foundation in personal experience and faith.

Community Support and Expansion

The RWO program requires that all participants are already sober, but it offers much more than just housing. Since its inception in 2011, RWO has supported hundreds of women in Cullman and nearby areas, providing services such as life skills training, transportation, GED preparation, and career support. “A significant step toward making The CJ House a reality was a generous $20,000 gift from an anonymous donor in honor of Gary Holland, whose compassion for those struggling with addiction has left a lasting impact,” Berry explained. This donation facilitated the purchase of the new home, allowing RWO to expand its reach.

The demand for safe, structured recovery housing continues to grow, and the addition of The CJ House will enable RWO to accommodate more women in urgent need of support. “Gary’s legacy of kindness will continue in the lives changed here,” Berry stated, highlighting the importance of community involvement in the outreach efforts.

As RWO prepares to open The CJ House, the organization is still seeking further community support to complete renovations and furnish the new home. Donations can be made in memory of CJ or in honor of Gary Holland. For more information or to contribute, interested individuals can reach RWO at P.O. Box 307, Cullman, AL 35056, or call 256-727-6531. Additional details are available on their website at restoringwomenoutreach.org.