Serenity Pointe, Inc., a nonprofit homelessness agency based in Dunlap, Tn., is opening a new residential life recovery program.

The House at Serenity Pointe serves women who struggle with chemical dependency, abuse, and other life-disrupting issues. Residents stay up to 12 months, taking classes in financial responsibility, anger management, parenting, and household management. They also take part in group and individual counseling, and, if needed, study for a GED.

The program is staffed entirely by volunteers and supported exclusively through donations from the community.

“The House at Serenity Pointe would not exist if it weren’t for the love that the Sequatchie Valley has for people in need,” said Debbie Morrison, who founded Serenity Pointe with her husband, Gerald, in April 2008.

Over the summer, dozens of local congregations, individuals, and businesses gave their time, materials, and funds to help renovate a four-bedroom house for the program. Among those volunteers were several trustees from the Sequatchie County Jail.

One of those trustees – Renee – is now participating in the recovery program.

“It’s a family atmosphere,” said Renee, 42. “I feel worthy again. I’ve learned that I don’t have to do drugs to be loved or to make myself feel better. I feel good when I get up in the morning now – I never did before.”

The House at Serenity Pointe, the only program of its kind in the Sequatchie Valley, is a much-needed resource for women re-entering society after incarceration, said Captain Lenard Sutherland, chaplain at the Sequatchie County jail.

“When they leave jail, many of them have no place to go. They face the same problems and go back to the same friends and behaviors,” said Captain Sutherland. “That’s why Serenity Pointe’s program is so important. Now, these women will have a place to go where they can learn to take care of themselves in the real world.”

The House at Serenity Pointe accepted the first applicants in September and currently serves five women. Serenity Pointe is celebrating the launch of the program with an Open House on Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The public is invited to tour the house and meet the program residents and volunteers. Food and live music will be provided.

Serenity Pointe, Inc., is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit organization providing emergency assistance, life recovery services, and affordable housing development to rural southeastern Tennessee.