Place of Grace opens recovery home in Franklin County

The Place of Grace has opened a new recovery home in Franklin County, offering women a structured, faith-based environment to continue their journey after rehabilitation.

The recovery home, which quietly opened about a month ago, is designed for women who are already sober and seeking support as they transition toward independence. It can house up to five residents at a time. It currently has two women enrolled.

“This all came together so fast. It was just a God thing,” said Director Jocelynn James Edmonds. “We weren’t even planning to open a recovery home until after our main building was finished, but this opportunity came first. It’s like we did things backwards, but maybe just in God’s timing.”

The home is part of a long-term vision for Place of Grace Ministries. In 2021, the Community Church at Hackleburg donated land for a full rehabilitation center, and a building was constructed. That structure remains unfinished.

“We’re just at a standstill,” Edmonds said. “We still need about $240,000 to complete it. Every penny we raise goes into that account.”

While fundraising continues, Edmonds remains actively involved in helping women get into outside treatment programs.

She often drives them herself and stays in contact throughout the process.

The Franklin County recovery home was made available by a local family who donated the use of the house. Community support followed quickly. Beds, mattresses and furnishings were donated within days. A separate donor is also helping cover the home’s utility bills.

Edmonds said residents pay $165 per week to live in the home. That fee helps support the ministry. They do not rely on government assistance such as food stamps.

Donated food, hygiene products and other essentials are provided so the women can focus on financial stability and long-term success. A local church has agreed to pay for automobile and home insurance for a year.

Each day begins at 6 a.m. with group devotions. Residents cook their own meals and go to work. They follow a structured routine that includes chores, online recovery meetings, church attendance on Sundays and Wednesdays, and maintaining a savings account. They are also expected to volunteer on their days off.

“They’re learning responsibility — how to plan meals, create a shopping list, budget donated funds, and work together as a household,” said Edmonds. “It’s not just about staying sober. It’s about becoming a whole person again, someone who can stand on her own.”

A donated vehicle helps residents get to and from their jobs. Employment is required, and building a work history is part of the program’s goal.

When women leave after six to eight months, they should be ready to move forward with independence and stability.

One resident, who arrived just before the home officially opened, quickly found full-time work and has been consistent in attending church and recovery activities. Edmonds said she has already seen encouraging changes.

The recovery home’s greatest need at this time is for grocery store gift card. Donors can also help by providing household supplies.

Edmonds said she prefers this approach to bringing cooked meals, because it teaches the women to shop, budget and prepare meals on their own.

“Cooked meals are nice, but learning to take care of yourself is even better,” she said.

Edmonds founded Place of Grace Ministries in 2013 after overcoming her own addiction and turning her life around. She has been sober since 2012 and said her faith is the foundation of her work.

Her husband, Greg, is also sober after battling addiction. The two met and married in 2020.

“He supports me in all God allows me to do,” Edmonds said.

“We lived an awful life for a long time. The Lord restored us, and now we give back,” she said. “Let us love you through the process. That’s what this is really about, being loved like Jesus.”

She and her husband both work full-time jobs in addition to running the ministry. She hopes to one day serve Place of Grace full time.

To donate, learn more, or refer someone to the home, call Jocelynn James Edmonds at 256668-5390.