Wooden It Be Lovely Marks New Location and Ongoing Commitment to Empower Women

The interview highlights the mission of Wooden It Be Lovely, a nonprofit organization founded by Margaret Ann Jessup. The organization focuses on providing hope, transitional housing, and employment for women recovering from challenges like addiction, poverty, and abuse through furniture restoration and creative work.

Key Points:

1. Purpose: Wooden It Be Lovely aims to empower women by offering them a supportive environment where they can develop skills, regain confidence, and transition to more stable futures.

2. Programs Offered:

   • Transitional employment and housing for women in recovery.
   • Skills training in furniture refinishing, candle making, and other crafts.
   • A residential program allowing women to live rent-free for up to two years while they work on recovery and personal development.

3. Impact: The organization focuses not only on job skills but also on life skills, helping women gain stability and a sense of community.

4. Founder’s Background: Margaret Ann Jessup, an oncology nurse turned seminary graduate, was inspired by a similar program in Nashville to begin this initiative in Springfield.

5. Megan Murray’s Journey: Megan, one of the organization’s first hires, shared her personal story of overcoming addiction and how the program helped her find her place and grow into a leadership role.

6. Community Involvement: The organization welcomes volunteers and accepts donations of wooden furniture (but not large or broken items). They also have regular volunteer shifts, and their hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays.

7. Upcoming Events:

   • A fall sale on October 17, and a popular holiday sale on November 12.
   • A ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new location on September 25, along with open houses, food trucks, and other celebrations.

8. Future Goals: The organization aims to continue expanding its services and possibly open a second residential program, emphasizing the significance of community support in recovery.

9. Website and Contact: Interested individuals can learn more at www.woodenitbelovely.love and can contact them at 217-414-0565.

This initiative stands as a shining example of how community support, empowerment through skills and education, and compassion can help guide individuals toward healing and success.