BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Sparrow’s Nest, a residential substance abuse disorder program where women who are battling addiction can live in a drug and alcohol-free environment, is currently undergoing renovations.
Sparrow’s Nest opened in May of 2016, eight years after its partner campus Brian’s Safe Houe, a male-specific program, opened in Beckley.
Brian’s Safe House and Sparrow’s Nest Communications Director Leslie Pease explained that the Sparrow’s Nest home was completely renovated prior to its opening five years ago but has not been updated since.
“We keep growing the program. We are always changing the program in any way that we can to grow and change. If there is a new or better way to do something in our teaching, we change it. It’s a living, dynamic program, and the house is the same way,” Pease explained.
“We want that homelike atmosphere so that when residents come in it really makes a difference. They aren’t sitting in their pj’s in an institution; they’re in a home where they learn how to live day to day and live their recovery.”
Sparrow’s Nest is upgrading its facility by replacing the carpet on the main floor with hardwood, changing out some old pieces of furniture and updating the bathroom. Pease says the changes refreshed the building’s atmosphere, making it feel like a home while also being crisp and clean.
In places like the Sparrow’s Nest and Brian’s Safe House, Pease and Co-founder of both facilities Leon Brush agreed that these updates are vital to the program.
“The updates are essential to our mission,” Brush said. “When we are working with those struggling with substance use disorders, our mission is to have a place that is recognized as excellent and is something to be deserving to be cared for so that they will be able to come out of the lifestyle that they are accustomed to.”
“It gives them hope,” Pease added. “It’s important to have the real-life situation as a home so that their minds are starting to get comfortable with daily living.”
Pease explained that the men and women participating in the programs have spent a good portion- if not all- of their lives living in poverty- conditions most people couldn’t even imagine.
“Putting them in a beautiful, clean home brings stability and self-worth to them. They have been debased and have degenerated and suffered more than we can imagine, and we are here to help heal that in a homelike situation and through our actions and teachings.”
Although the renovations won’t be finished until the end of the month, Brush stated that any project wouldn’t be possible without the help and generosity of the community. He noted that the funding for the Sparrow’s Nest upgrades came from both a grant from the Beckley Area Foundation and local donors.
“The community is vital,” Pease agreed. “Not just to keep our doors open financially but to show these men and women in the program how much people care and that they are valuable.”
The Sparrow’s Nest renovations will be complete just in time to welcome a fresh group of residents.
