KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Beacon of Hope for Women in Recovery
In the heart of Knoxville, a remarkable transformation is taking place. A woman who has bravely battled addiction is turning her life around and lifting others up along the way. Cayleah Antras, once feeling hopeless in the throes of substance abuse, is now on a mission to help women find their path to recovery. With her new recovery house set to open its doors for move-in on November 1, Antras hopes to create a warm and welcoming environment for those who need it most.
A Journey from Darkness to Light
Antras knows what it’s like to face despair. For over a decade, she struggled with addiction, losing precious time with her children and touching on the brink of imprisonment. It wasn’t until she encountered the Blount County Recovery Court, which offered her a glimmer of hope, that her life began to change. After spending eighteen months in recovery programs, including the Women’s Residential Recovery Court in Middle Tennessee, Antras proudly graduated in 2023 and subsequently completed her goals by finishing the Blount County program in September. But she didn’t stop there.
A Dream Realized
It was about six or seven months ago when a spark ignited in Antras. She thought to herself, “What if I could open my own recovery house?” That thought has now blossomed into reality. With her heart set on making a difference, Antras has taken significant steps to prepare a safe haven for women in need.
A Call for Community Support
While the recovery house isn’t ready for move-in quite yet, Antras is rallying the community for support. She’s accepting donations like couches, dressers, and clothing, as many women arriving at her home often have little to no personal belongings. “A lot of these women when they come here, they don’t have clothes or hygiene products. We’re putting a place together so that when women arrive, they feel at home,” Antras encourages.
A Safe Haven for Women
The recovery house will initially accommodate up to ten women. Antras firmly believes in the importance of providing a safe space for women who might not have many options. “When they decide to get clean, they can’t go back to their old environment,” she explains. The house aims to assist them in their recovery journey by helping them learn to budget, handle chores, and eventually, secure employment.
No Set Timelines, Just Support
Recovery homes typically offer six-month programs, but Antras clarifies that there’s no hard timeline. Some women may need more or less time to adapt. As part of living in the home, women will also be encouraged to find employment, participate in household chores, and attend weekly meetings. The idea is to create a supportive network where women can regain their independence while being guided toward a brighter future.
Gratitude and Hope
Today, Antras is grateful not just for her recovery journey but for being an active part of her daughters’ lives again. “It’s taken a village to help me with this,” she acknowledges. She wholeheartedly appreciates all the support she has received and is enthusiastic about the potential to impact many more lives as her recovery house gets underway.
How You Can Help
If you’re interested in learning more about living arrangements at the recovery house or wish to donate supplies, Antras is just a phone call away at 865-358-1500. Together, with community support, she hopes to fulfill her vision of a supportive, healing space for women ready to reclaim their lives. After all, everyone deserves a second chance.
