TOLEDO, Ohio — NAOMI Transitional House recently expanded from five beds to 10 beds. This allows more women to seek refuge and not only get back on their feet but take back their lives.
These women enter 12-month programs that go through three phases, teaching them how to deal with issues without the substances that may have robbed them for years.
Since 2010, the nonprofit has become a 24/7 housing facility giving women who were ready for change, a chance at a clean start. The nonprofit's case manager, Davyta Kynard, said coming to NAOMI House is the start of something great.
"These women, they're broken. But if they stay here long enough, they come out beautiful," Kynard said.
Since the nonprofit broke ground on its expansion in 2018, NAOMI House has continued to grow with more rooms and more handicapable accessibility. NAOMI House board member, Rick Brown, said it's a beautiful thing since he noted the facility does more than just house residents.
"They're not just getting treated just by therapies and things like that. They're also getting a spiritual aspect so their spirit grows," Brown said.
Kynard said her reason for working at the nonprofit is simple.
"I'm helping and I've been there. You know? Been there," Kynard said.
She admits for the past four years, this job has not been a cakewalk. She remembers how some residents have come to the house angry or full of resentment. But she said if they stay long enough, things change for the better. There was one woman who came to the house in November and recently graduated from the program.
"When she left here she was smiling," Kynard said. "She was happy and that's the kind of joy you get from working in this place."
Brown doesn't work at the house but he does get to see the results. He said it's why he's been on board for so many years.
"Just to see some of the ladies go to graduation and give their stories. It touches my heart," Brown said.
Brown said funds have been tight for the nonprofit since COVID. However, the group plans on hosting several events.
One fundraiser, the inaugural charity golf outing on Sept. 13 in Temperance, will hopefully add more funds. Brown said they're aimed at helping the nonprofit grow while still looking for more ideas and volunteers. The goal is to keep NAOMI House open for anyone in need.
"This is where you get love. People come in here barefoot, (with) nothing. They leave out with more than the porch can hold. So this is the place," Kynard said.
For more information on NAOMI House, click here.