Rebuilding lives from alcoholism and addiction

‘This beautiful, historic home in Highland is more than a pretty picture,” said Jessica Ritchie, executive director of Oakwood Home for Women. “This home changes lives, and I’ve seen it firsthand work for so many women.”

Nestled in the historic neighborhood on Highland Avenue, Oakwood Home for Women is the only recovery home for women in Shreveport-Bossier that operates as a halfway house. Ritchie said that it is a place of safety and security for women who wish to rebuild their lives from alcoholism and addiction. Sept. 24-29, the principal fundraiser to support Oakwood’s operations is an online auction, Accepting Life on Life’s Terms.

“Oakwood has been helping women for 47 years, and we are excited to continue to mission for years to come,” said Ritchie.

A 501 C(3) nonprofit, Oakwood Home for Women is dedicated to supporting women from all walks of life, a stable living environment while they rebuild their lives. Oakwood has given more than 2,000 women the opportunity to change for the better since its inception in 1974. Ritchie said that the women who live at Oakwood find hope, strength and love while beginning a new life. The residents, who stay on average six months to one year, are offered guidance and structure with a spiritually-based Twelve Step Program of recovery.

Oakwood’s operating budget to support the women depends solely on the support of donations. This year’s key fundraiser is an online auction and donation event Sept. 24-29. To view the items and register to bid, go online to www.charityauction.bid/oakwood2021. The auction has several items on which to bid, and donors can purchase raffle tickets and make donations through the site.

Donated raffle items include a pair of New Orleans Saints tickets, designer purses, shopping packages, artwork and music memorabilia. Raffle prizes include a grill from Fireplace Specialties and a 50-inch TV, among others. Raffle tickets are $5 each and are available online.

Bidding opens Sept. 24 and closes on Sept. 29 at 8:30 p.m. Several businesses and individuals have sponsored the event, including Lincoln Nova Vital Recovery.

“We are grateful for the support from the local community to support our efforts to help women recover,” said Alice Breard, president of the 27-member board of directors for Oakwood.

For more information, visit oakwoodhomeforwomen.com or call 318- 221-9451.