After 10 years of operating from Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, Wooden It Be Lovely, a nonprofit that assists women transitioning out of difficult life experiences, has moved to its new location at 1140 W. Governor St. in the building previously occupied by Temple Israel. Women participating in WIBL’s program are taught how to refurbish donated wood furniture, sew and make candles to sell in the organization’s boutique.
The organization is the creation of former cancer and hospice nurse Margaret Ann Jessup, who felt a calling to help people at pivotal times in their lives. She attended seminary and interned at Thistle Farms in Nashville, Tenn., an organization that supports women survivors of exploitation. It was there that her heart was moved by these women who had experienced addiction, abuse and prostitution. While still in seminary, Jessup served at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church and founded Wooden It Be Lovely in 2016. The organization became a nonprofit in 2021.
“Our mission is to provide hope, transitional employment, housing and love to women recovering from lives of poverty, addiction and abuse” said Jessup, who is executive director of WIBL. “I often tell people that we support and love women until they love themselves. … I believe that we really do change the trajectory of women’s lives, and many will state that we save their lives.”
WBIL changed its own trajectory thanks to a $250,000 gift from the Justice Benjamin K. Miller Charitable Fund, which enabled the organization to move to its new, larger location and expand its services. “Owning your own building certainly comes with many additional expenses,” Jessup said. “We have been saving for this day but know the future will require us to work harder to raise funds by donations, grants and increased sales. God has always provided a way.”
The move comes with great appreciation for the years of rent-free space and support provided by the Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church. “Many people have supported our work along the way,” Jessup said. “Our volunteers, the congregation at Douglas Avenue and our board. We have always had such an amazing board of directors. They don’t always get the gratitude they deserve.
“If I were to name one person, it would be Julia Melgreen. She was the pastor of the church when we started. She gave me the greenlight to start something that many believed impossible. She believed, and I’ll never forget that.”
Jessup said she has had numerous memorable experiences, many of which have to do with personal stories of the women. But her most recent memorable moment was on July 1. “We all walked into our new building, turned the lights on, and we all just felt an enormous sense of pride,” she said. “We had our own space where the women we serve could grow and thrive and in a building that is beautiful and that we will create as a beautiful safe haven.”
Jessup said she is proud that WIBL has continued in its work of supporting women for 10 years now. “And 81% of our graduates remain sober and employed in their chosen careers,” she said. Last year, 100% of women involved in WIBL attended financial management and health mentoring classes, while some enrolled in college classes for the first time, completed trade certification programs, obtained a driver’s license, got a job in the community, purchased a car or reunited with their children.
In addition to WIBL’s work program, a residential program that started in 2022 provides women who do not have children or do not have custody of their children with free shelter for two years or more. During that time, WIBL saves 70% of their income for them, so they have funds when they leave the program. Interested women may apply for these opportunities through the website.
Jessup said lives have changed through WIBL. “I could name many. The first person that always comes to my mind is my colleague and friend, Megan. She came here 10 years ago after 14 years of addiction and a new mom. She was tender, scared and had little confidence or pride in herself. She has grown into a leader. She is now my right hand, a mentor to others and in many ways the artistic hand that makes what we do beautiful. I will always look up to her and call her my friend.”
The greatest challenge, Jessup said, is having the funds to do the work they do. And the greatest reward? “Without doubt, seeing women grow, thrive and begin to love themselves,” she said.
WIBL is offering tours of the new space Sept. 25-26. For more information, visit woodenitbelovely.love.
Janet Seitz is a local communications professional, writer and artist. To share your story, contact her at janetseitz1@gmail.com.