LOIUSVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Women who were formerly incarcerated or who are struggling with addiction or homelessness now have a home in south Louisville.

The Women of Worth Transition and Finishing Center is a nonprofit, faith-based recovery transitional housing program for women, created in 2019, that offers 12-24-month trauma-informed programs for women age 18 or older.

One woman staying at the home, who wanted to remain anonymous, was homeless two months ago, staying in a hotel.

"I was evicted from my home," she said Wednesday. "I have no family here."

Juanita Rutledge, the founder and president of Women Of Worth, was working at the hotel desk when the woman arrived.

"I'd been calling shelters," the woman said. "(Rutledge) gave be back my card and said 'Let me show you something.' And she brought me here, and this is where I've been."

She's been in the program the last couple months, working two jobs and attending nursing school. 

"God places people in your life at the right time," she said.

According to its website, Women of Worth serves:

  • Women in Recovery
    • Women who are recovering from substance abuse and have completed a treatment program.
  • Survivors of Domestic Abuse or Sexual Assault
    • Women who are survivors of violence and/or mental/emotional trauma experiencing homelessness.
  • Ex-Offenders
    • Women who were incarcerated due to a low-level, non-violent offense and are in need of restorative services.
  • Life Controlling Issues
    • Women who have painful emotions, traumatic or abusive life experiences.

Rutledge knows first-hand what these women are going through. Her struggles with drug addiction sent her to prison.

Juanita Rutledge

Juanita Rutledge, the founder and president of Women Of Worth Transition and Finishing Center. Jan. 10, 2024. (WDRB Photo)

"I lost everything that I have," she said. 

Rutledge said God saved her, then sent her on a mission to help others. She opened up the doors at Women of Worth in June. The home has a fully decorated living space, dining room and two bedrooms.

"We talk, we eat (and) we fellowship here," Rutledge said.

Six women can stay there at a time, and there's also space for them to take courses. Unlike other transitional living homes, there's no limit on how long women can stay.

"If I can get a woman off the street, not do drugs, to get back in school ... my life is not in vain," Rutledge said. "This is what this house is here for."

There are three beds currently available. To learn more about the Women of Worth, click here to get connected with their Facebook page, or click here to be directed to their website.

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