Community Link: Lucille Raines Residence INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) —  Each week on Community Link, Carolene Mays takes a look at an organization or business that is making a positive impact on the community. This week, the focus is on the Lucille Raines Residence, which has announced a new capi tal campaign to fund renovations for its 100-year-old historic building. The faith-based nonprofit provides up to three years of transitional housing for men and women recovering from substance abuse. Operated by the United Women of Faith, an extension of the United Methodist Church, the residence focuses on rebuilding lives through structure and accountability. The program supports residents as they transition from inpatient treatment back into the community by providing safe housing and professional resources. Jodie Little, executive director of the Lucille Raines Residence, explained that the model works by offering a safe environment where individuals do not have to face recovery alone. “I think it works because it provides a safe space for individuals to rebuild their lives,” Little said. “We are constantly reminding them that they’re not alone in their journey. And because we’re faith-based, there’s always somebody that is around to be encouragement, to offer prayer, just to let them know to give themselves grace.” AJ Griffin is a graduate of the program who has successfully transitioned to independent living. Griffin credits the residence with providing the necessary structure to maintain sobriety. “A normal day to me, I mean, you go to work each day,” Griffin said. “You have your own little space, your own little apartment at Raines. But it keeps us accountable. It keeps us learning to get back into life again. That’s really what a lot of us need, a structure. That’s what I needed, and Raines provided me that, and it’s probably the best thing that I’ve done.” Beyond housing, the residence provides resources intended for long-term success. These include financial literacy classes, resume-building, and job-search assistance. The organization receives significant support from local congregations. These groups provide financial assistance, meals, and activities for those living in the building. Little noted that the United Women of Faith and the church community partner closely with the Residence to foster a sense of belonging. “I think, again, just having that foundation of faith-based, knowing that they’re not alone, that there is a lot of support,” Little said. “We have a lot of church support, financially. We have congregations that come and provide meals and different activities for the residents. So it is really a community.” As the organization looks toward the future, it is seeking community involvement through its new capital campaign. The 100-year-old building requires updates to continue serving its mission, Little says. “Our building is historic. It’s a 100-year-old building. So we are embarking on starting a capital campaign to do some renovations to the building and then also just support for the residents.” Griffin also encouraged the community to learn more about the facility’s impact. “Just to get involved, look into Raines,” Griffin said. “It’s a great place for people like me, getting out of our addiction, substance abuse, and just getting to know what it is, getting to know where we are and what we do.” Click here to learn more about the Lucille Raines Residence. This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness. ...read more read less