Behind the doors of a west Bradenton home lies the next chapter in the lives of seven women.
- Krista Altenbach among those benefiting from program
- Beauty for Ashes director picks up majority of cost
- Program lasts for up to 18 months
As you walk into the Beauty for Ashes home in Bradenton, you can feel a sense of comfort.
"When you're finally ready and you're over battling yourself, you can come get healed," said one of the program's participants, Krista Altenbach.
Shelves are stocked and the room is filled with laughter as the women who lay their heads here at night fight for hope.
"We have to help change the community, help change the environment and instill in them that you are worth it," said Beauty For Ashes Director Debbi Hanna. "You are more than your problems, and we can help change them."
Hanna has worked for years to open the house. Besides the help of some sponsors, she pays for mostly everything out of her own pocket.
The program lasts for up to 18 months, and in that time the women learn to transition back into the world, leaving a life of addiction.
Less than a month ago, Altenbach almost became another statistic.
"I decided to go use one more time and overdosed," Altenbach said.
"That was my rock bottom, and to be able to wake up and to be alive," said Altenbach, who knew she was lucky.
With a Bible in hand, she moved into the home, taking everything one day at a time.
"You look out the window and you see people that you need to pray for, that you were just there. You know everything's an inspiration -- everything," Altenbach said.
She knows that she is in the right place.
"This is home, this is exactly where I'm supposed to be," Altenbach said.
If you would like to donate to the organization, you can do so by clicking here.