New women’s recovery house to serve Menominee through Catholic Social Services of the U.P.

The U.P. Catholic

Catholic Social Services of the Upper Peninsula (CSSUP) will soon have a new women’s recovery house in Menominee available for residents after at least two years of preparations. “Menominee is an area where drugs and such have a large impact. Drugs have been rampant in that area for a long time given the proximity to larger cities in Wisconsin,” explained Kate Sjogren, director of Hosanna House, CSSUP’s women’s recovery house in Escanaba.

CSSUP closed on the house on Oct. 31, however, preparations will still need to be made before the house will be open to residents. “We must install safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, lighted exit signs, Ring doorbells, and such. I have to coordinate with the city to make sure it meets all their fire code requirements,” said Kyle Rambo, executive director of CSSUP.

CSSUP will then furnish the house and must be certified by the Michigan Association of Recovery Residences (MARR). “Finally, we hire a manager and purchase a vehicle to support the daily operations of the house. We hope to have a blessing ceremony no later than mid-December and begin to receive residents by Jan. 1, 2025,” Rambo explained.

“A dedicated recovery house for women provides a safe environment that allows women to begin their journey in recovery by reducing addiction behaviors and connecting them with resources,” said Rambo. “They are treated with dignity and respect while learning life skills, building supportive relationships, and given time to heal from this disease.”

After the new recovery house is opened, CSSUP will run four recovery homes: the Alpha Omega men’s recovery houses in Iron Mountain and Escanaba, Hosanna House, and the upcoming women’s recovery house in Menominee.

Sjogren shared her story of recovery at a Menominee City planning commission meeting held in October. Her testimony was able to change the minds of those who had previously been averse to the presence of a recovery house in their neighborhood due to various concerns. “We had met some resistance, but I hope that my story can be an example,” Sjogren said.

At the beginning of her recovery journey, Sjogren learned of a nearby women’s recovery house while attending outpatient counseling at CSSUP. “I was so happy to hear that a service like that was finally available for women like me,” she said. For many years, Sjogren struggled with addiction, and said that for over two decades, she dealt with feelings of hopelessness and unworthiness, and felt full of shame.

Sjogren said that the structure and accountability offered by the recovery house taught her not only discipline, but responsibility, and her job as director of Hosanna House has given her an opportunity to help, encourage, guide, support and believe in other women just like her.

“When I came to the recovery house as a resident, that’s when I started building my faith. I started going to church,” Sjogren said. “It’s taught me who I am and that I’m a child of God and that I’m forgiven. When I dwell on the past, it’s a constant reminder to me that I’m forgiven—why am I trying to argue with God here?”

Sjogren said that her faith has tremendously increased. “I draw on God daily. I have prayers all over my office—things like the Serenity Prayer and different Bible verses that I say to myself or have signs of in my office. My office has stained glass windows. It’s a beautiful office and I find a lot of serenity and hope here. When things get hard for me as the director or in general, I take a moment and I pray, and it helps,” she said. “CSSUP as a whole really took a chance on me—it’s amazing how it’s come full circle. It’s been a wonderful organization to work for and I feel blessed.”

Sjogren said, “I wish more people would choose recovery. When they do, I’m like a dog with a bone. I do not want to give up on that person … The unknown is scary but taking that leap of faith—that’s pretty much what I had to do. A place like this [recovery house] is perfect.”

Sjogren said that she has seen how the recovery house allows residents to build up a recovery community. “It’s not just going to meetings. It’s where your networking comes in, like a pastor, or friends, or family. It’s where you learn how to build a real relationship. You can see the difference in the ones that just show up for their counseling because they have to but aren’t putting the work in and those who want recovery,” she said.

“Those who want it are done with the pain and struggle of their past, and they’re willing to face the unknown of the future. I’ve seen women be able to get their own apartments, jobs and reconnect with family and kids. It can be an amazing experience, but they have to want it,” Sjogren continued. “Until they’re ready, I just try to be there and figure out what they need and what their goals are.”

Rambo said that the recovery process is difficult and frustrating at times, but that those at CSSUP continue to share God’s universal love with each resident they serve. “We see the face of Jesus in each resident and pray that they may see the face of Jesus in those serving them,” he said. “As a result, we continue to change lives and provide hope for those who are the most vulnerable in our communities.”