Becky Weatherford’s journey to recovery began at 15, but it wasn’t until she was 40 that she sought help. Now 55, Weatherford runs Talbot House in Tupelo, Mississippi, a supportive living environment for women finishing drug and alcohol treatment programs.
Talbot House provides a safe haven for women transitioning out of treatment, offering life skills development, employment opportunities, and peer recovery support. The organization has helped over 200 women since its founding in 2015, many of whom had children in the foster-care system or struggled with domestic violence.
Weatherford’s own experience led her to create Talbot House in response to a lack of housing options for women leaving treatment facilities. In 2014, she noticed that men leaving treatment centers had seven different transitional facilities to choose from, but women only had one option: Talbot House.
The facility has a zero-tolerance policy for violence and drug use on the property and requires residents to participate in recovery meetings, work with a sponsor, and engage in activities like cooking and housekeeping. Weatherford emphasizes that recovery takes time and that insurance companies often don’t cover extended care, making it essential for women to have access to supportive environments like Talbot House.
Weatherford’s message is one of hope and resilience. “I’m just grateful that I can help other people navigate their recovery,” she says. Talbot House has made a significant impact in the lives of its residents, providing a safe space for them to grow and thrive.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/a-sober-living-home-for-women-tupelos-talbot-house-honored