After years of planning, fundraising and work, Sophia’s House, will celebrate its opening with several events this December 12 and 13. Sophia’s House, will be a residential community for women survivors of trafficking/exploitation, prison and addiction, based on the model of Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN.

Regina Greenlee, one of the first graduates of the Thistle Farm program, and an instrumental person in its growth and development over the years will be in Lewiston for the events. (pictured left)

THURSDAY the 12th: Regina will be present at the Chamber Breakfast. She will make a brief presentation there and be available at The Center’s Herban Works table at the breakfast Marketplace. That same day at noon, she will be the featured speaker at a Great Falls Forum at the Lewiston Library at noon.  She will discuss her life and journey to healing at Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN with a topic “Finding My Way Home.”

NOTE:: The previously scheduled Thursday evening “Wise and Strong Women SPEAK!” has been postponed until another time.)

FRIDAY the 13th: There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Sophia’s House at noon, followed by an open house with tours until 3:00.  A dedication and blessing of the building will take place after that, with Regina Greenlee and others speaking. Interfaith Chaplain, Sarah Shepley, Sarah Gillespie, chaplain at St. Mary’s hospital, and Leslie Manning who is an intern at the center focused on prison outreach,  will preside over the ceremony.

Light refreshments will be offered at the “Wise and Strong Women SPEAK!” event and during the open house. No reservations are required for events that take place at Sophia’s House, just come and bring a friend to celebrate.  Those who attend the Friday events are invited to bring gifts of hygiene items for the Center’s hygiene pantry! (Only full size, unopened containers please, and only basic items of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste and feminine pads.)

Sophia’s House is located on the corner of Blake and Walnut. Parking at the site is limited, but is available on the street or a few blocks away in the Park Street garage. FMI: 513-3922