NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Niceville community is rallying behind Freedom House, a haven for women who are making big life changes, like moving out of homelessness, getting back on their feet after being in jail, escaping human trafficking, or recovering from addiction.
The Soiree Benefitting Freedom House: May 11, 5:30 p.m.
On May 11, join others from every corner of our community and gather under the stars at the Niceville Senior Center for a joyful spring soiree. The special event celebrates community and supports the local transformative sanctuary for women in recovery, Freedom House.
Prepare for an intimate evening of dining and fellowship. You’ll be treated to specially crafted hors-d’oeuvres, delightful mocktails, and a silent auction filled with treasures. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
But the most inspiring part will be hearing stories of redemption shared directly by the courageous women of Freedom House, whose lives have been transformed with the support of the Niceville community.
The soiree begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person, $100 per couple, and $350 per table of eight. Tickets are available here.
Some of the silent auction items are four single-day tickets to Wild Adventures Valdosta, Georgia ($225 value); Family of Four one-day tickets to Big Kahunas Water Park ($260 value); A Foodie package featuring treats from Daily Dose Nutrition, Ruby Tuesday, and Cafe Bienville ($200 value); Swavorski Earrings and Locks; Sunglasses courtesy of Eyewear Unlimited ($250 value); A Vera Bradley Bag; and rounds of golf at Bluewater Bay Golf Course and Blackwater Golf Course.
For more information about the soiree, table sponsorships, or contributing silent auction items, email [email protected] or call 850-420-8280.
The Niceville Senior Center is at 201 Campbell Drive.
Freedom House
Freedom House is a sober living facility that is transforming women’s lives by providing a supportive environment. The first local Freedom House was founded in 2023, and another is about to open.
The residents of Freedom House are empowered to break free from the cycles of dysfunction that have negatively impacted their lives and families.
The program nurtures independence and success, helping women become active contributors to society. The ultimate goal is to help residents journey towards lasting change, reclaiming their lives, and achieving personal growth.
The transitional housing program is designed for women transitioning from homelessness, incarceration, human trafficking, and addiction treatment. They receive comprehensive training in life skills, counseling, and care plans to secure a brighter future.
At Freedom House, residents participate in a comprehensive curriculum covering various important topics. These include financial literacy, career development, crafting professional resumes, learning business etiquette, and developing digital proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
In addition, residents are encouraged to become an integral part of the community by joining community groups and participating in community service hours. This helps to enrich their journey and reinforces the importance of giving back to the community.
The Freedom House approach is holistic and supportive. Accountability is a cornerstone of the program, with a strong network of peers, leaders, and mentors offering unwavering support.
For more information about Freedom House, click here.
Freedom Life Compass
Freedom House is under the umbrella of Freedom Life Compass, Inc. This non-profit organization provides hope, resources, and a path to a brighter future for those in need. It was founded by Stephanie Wedel, recovery minister at Crosspoint Church in Niceville.
“Freedom is the freedom we have found in Christ, and a life compass is helping you guide your path,” said Ms Wedel.
Initially, Freedom Life Compass was an online resource tool supported by dedicated volunteers within our community. According to Wedel, its mission was to equip first responders and law enforcement with resources to distribute to individuals they encountered on the streets or during their regular duties.
“That was our entire goal to begin with, but God had different plans, as he usually does,” she said.
According to Ms Wedel, those plans included directly reaching out to women incarcerated in the Okaloosa County Jail and providing them with information on residential recovery programs and Celebrate Recovery. This 12-step Biblical program addresses life-controlling issues.
Then, in September 2022, in conjunction with Manna Church West Florida, the organization secured a location for its Freedom Life Center on County Line Road. The facility is home to the organization’s life skills training and six-month women’s recovery programs.
According to the guiding principle of Freedom Life Compass, everyone deserves a chance at freedom and a happy life.
For more information on how you or your organization can support Freedom Life Compass, click here.
