By Brianne Eichman
Staff Writer
(Sections edited for clarity by Sonshine Troche)
La PORTE — Sonshine Troche described herself as having a very strong will. “I have a real big passion for seeing the hope people have when you speak encouragement to them.” Troche, who for years has been trying to find a home for the Worthy Women Recovery Home, showed Wednesday just how strong her will is, and what it can accomplish.
They keys to the building that will house the recovery center were handed over to Troche on Wednesday afternoon. The home is intended to give women who have been arrested for substance abuse a place where they can go to heal and learn how to shape their future. “They learn social skills, they learn communication skills and they learn to help others without getting anything in return,” Troche said. “So basically they are starting to learn right then and there to be productive citizens.”
The inspiration for WWRH came when Troche, president of the recovery home, decided women needed a safe and sober residential living environment. She said she knows what these women are going through, and she knows how imperative this home is for the community.
Troche teaches Ladies Bible study at the La Porte County Jail. She also facilitates MRT at the Jail for the females and she has also been involved with the Christian Motorcyclists Association Prison Ministry since 2005. She said her faith in God’s will has brought her to this point, and her hope is that the recovery home will help women through positive thinking and responsible behavior.
Troche noted that about 9 to 10 women will be able to be in the groups offered and she plans to hold them in the evenings for women who hold day jobs. She also said she will be using MRT, an evidence-based cognitive behavior program.
Parenting classes and job skill classes will also be taught, and Troche’s goal is for every women who participates in the program to recognize their behavior. The board of WWRH has spent three years looking for the right building, and although it will need construction work, Troche said she is ready for the work.
“It’s one thing to sit around and talk about it and complain about it, but what are we going to do to make it better,” she said. “That’s the angle we are coming from, is that we want to make it better.” Troche said the board’s goal is to have the building open by October 2012, and she aspires to partner with churches, businesses and the community as she welcomes all donations, help and prayers.
The building is located in La Porte on 1001 Maple Street. To donate, or for more information, visit www.worthyrecovery.org or call Sonshine Troche at (219) 405-7006.
