Living waters: – Ukiah Daily Journal

Recovery and hope in the midst of tragedy

The spirit of Khaleya Ahl and the fresh grief of her family and friends is palpable among the women seated in the comfortable living room of the Living Waters After Care Sober Living Home.

Ahl’s mother, Julienne Waters, founder and director of the recovery home, is struggling with the shock and trauma of her daughter’s death on may 26. Ahl died from an oxycontin overdose, despite the support of a loving, non-judgmental family who spared nothing to provide her with the tools she needed to overcome her addiction.

Waters and Ahl had just completed a project close to their hearts – the opening of a women’s sober living home. despite their overwhelming feelings of loss, family, friends and volunteers are pressing forward – knowing the home will be a lifeline of support for other women, and knowing this is what Khaleya would have wanted.

Waters, who has lived as a single mother with five children, understands women’s hardships. “The community doesn’t reach out to single moms. I wasn’t rented to because I was a single mom. It’s a huge issue,” says Waters, a survivor of sexual abuse.

Khaleya’s need for a treatment program opened Waters’ eyes to the dearth of women-oriented recovery services. “I visited sober living houses with Khaleya. they were little more than crash pads with television, drug testing and a roof over their heads. I realized I wanted to create a home for women ready to make positive changes,” says Waters. She created the Julienne Waters Family Foundation in 2007.

The idea began to snowball. “I mentioned the concept to my daughter-in-law Tiffany Pedrotti, who went through recovery six years ago and is studying to become a drug and alcohol counselor,” says Waters. Pedrotti recruited friend Audra Dorsey, also in recovery and also planning to work in the drug and alcohol field.

Khaleya’s father, Steve Ahl, provided the first of two houses for the program. it is spotlessly clean, with a community kitchen, fruit trees and an organic garden. it can house six women. “We can’t accommodate children, but with community support we’ll be providing family facilities in the future,” says Waters.

Their second recovery house is being made ready for residents. “I asked Home Depot if they would donate materials for the house. they said, we will do better than that.’ they are providing a work crew to do the renovation,” says a grateful Waters.

Waters recruited volunteer Nancy Sutherland, who has years of professional experience with recovering individuals. “There is such a need for sober housing programs combining a supportive, healing environment. when I saw what was happening here, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” Sutherland notes.

“Belinda Wood has been our house mother for over a month,” says Waters. Wood’s story is not atypical. “I had over 30 years of addiction. I had never been through a recovery program and no one would accept my insurance,” says Wood.

“I completed the seven-day detox at Ford Street. at the end they said sorry, you’ve got to go.’” Alone, with no housing or income, Wood was offered a bed at the Buddy Eller Center. “I dragged my pride along the railroad tracks and went to the shelter,” she explains, where she resided for five months.

“Belinda was recommended to us by shelter staff. She has really helped our house come together,” Waters notes. “Julienne saved my life. If it wasn’t for Living Waters, I may have given up and gotten back on the wrong side of the tracks. I’m very grateful. this is perfect for me,” says Wood, who has been clean and sober for nine months.

Weekly recovery support groups have been standing room only. “It is not a 12-step meeting – it’s women supporting women,” Pedrotti explains. Thursday’s meeting featured a volunteer teaching resume writing and financial education. “We have an MFCC who is giving parenting classes and will also provide counseling at a very affordable rate,” says Waters.

The recovery program is both structured and autonomous. “Women need to be in charge of their own lives,” says Waters.

The program includes breathwork, yoga, physical exercise, outdoor activities, volunteer and paid work, health and wellness lectures, alternative therapies, spiritual practices, nutrition, healthy cooking, gardening and vocational counseling. Program members will be expected to submit to random drug testing,

“Every applicant is assessed individually. Their willingness to stay sober and agree to the house rules are the important factors,” Waters explains. “We are not a treatment center. We’re helping women through recovery. ” Waters explains. Residents are asked for a 90-day commitment and must be detoxed before moving in.

Financial aid is not currently available. Waters hopes community members will consider sponsoring a resident or donating needed supplies. Living Waters is a non-profit organization. all donations are tax-deductible.

Waters has many plans for the future. “I want to find a demographic our women can assist. can we help single moms with challenges of getting kids to school? can we help prepare meals? We have an espresso trailer that is ready to go. it would be a great cottage industry. We just need a place to put it,” she notes.

“Living Waters is up and running. Other options are out there, but this house is ready to go, and our second house will be open soon,” says Sutherland.

Julienne Waters cradles her newborn grandson in her arms – a triple blessing in the wake of devastating family tragedy.

We’re going forward, in memory of Khaleya,” she says.

For more information, visit Living Waters on Facebook or at livingwaters-reinvent.org or phone (707) 272-6124.

Living Waters wish list

Cash donations

Twin-sized bedding

One bunk bed

Twin beds

Twin mattresses

Household goods

Indoor garbage cans

Cleaning supplies

Gardening supplies and tools

Food – wholesome, locally grown, organic preferred

Toiletries

Furniture – quality sofa/living room set

Gift cards

Computer

Volunteer to write newsletter

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