This story discusses addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call the Wiscoonsin addiction recovery helplineat 833-944-4673

MILWAUKEE— September is National Recovery Month and one nonprofit in Milwaukee is helping women in the area recover from addiction. 

Joyce’s House provides a safe and sober living home for women recovering from addiction. Through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, otherwise known as the CARES Act, Joyce’s House has been able to continue offering services to these women throughout the pandemic. 

CEO of Joyce’s House, Mercedez Butts, said she started the program for these women in honor of her grandmother. 

“My grandmother inspired me and still inspires me beyond her transitioning,” said Butts. “At the time it was very challenging to see someone very strong that overcame many things, which addiction was one of them.” 

Regardless of what she went through, Butts said her grandmother was an inspiration. 

“While in her addiction she did some remarkable things,” she said. “My grandmother opened her doors to other people, empowered other women to change, and she eventually obtained that change herself. My grandmother was clean the last 14 years of her life.” 

Butts said running Joyce’s house is a way to carry on her grandmother’s legacy. 

With the help of the CARES Act, Joyce’s House has been able to sustain their employees, provide certified GED testing, and provide essentials like hygiene bags.  

“We’ve been open for two years and the two years us being open, we’ve serviced over 100 women recovering from addiction,” said Butts. 

Butts said she hopes to continue to carry on her grandmother’s legacy and positively impact women in Milwaukee.