GILBERT — The STOP coalition is planning on opening a recovery center in May to assist people in turning their lives around.

Strong Through Our Plan (STOP) will be opening a substance abuse recovery home for women, a release from the group said. The center will be called Crossroads and a grand opening ribbon cutting for the center is set for Friday, May 1 at 11 a.m.

Crossroads Recovery Home for Women is an 11-bed home designed to accept women from treatment and detoxification programs throughout the coalfield region of southern West Virginia.

Crossroads will have house rules and mandate random drug testing for all residents. The residents will provide 30 percent of their income toward their living expenses. Everyday housework, cooking, and progress toward their goals will be the responsibility of the residents. Four employees and several Lindsey Wilson College students will be assisting residents with meeting their goals.

Crossroads needs donations of new or gently used furniture, household items, and toiletries. Wood bunk beds and living area furniture are especially needed as soon as possible. Crossroads will also be constructing stepping stones made of concrete leading to the front door. The stepping stones will be two sizes; the smaller stone will cost $100 and the larger stones will cost $500. Individuals and organizations who purchase these stones for the walkway will have their name etched into the stone.

"STOP is excited to open a home to alleviate our communities’ substance abuse epidemic," says Amy Turner, Executive Director of STOP. "Crossroads will not only be a residential facility, but a house for recovery meetings and a hotline for referrals."

The Gilbert Development Company donated the building in May 2006. STOP received renovation funding from the West Virginia's Attorney General's Office. STOP also received first year operating expenses from the Logan Healthcare Foundation.

"It is critical for our communities to become involved by volunteering and private donations, both monetary and material goods," Turner said.

"Crossroads is designed to assist residents in meeting their goals to work toward drug-free independence," Turner said. "We are asking each resident for a commitment of at least 90 days to residency at Crossroads, with a maximum stay of one year."

Crossroads will take several approaches to recovery, including Recovery Dynamics, faith-based groups and various groups designed to educate the women to live independently.

STOP is a community-based, non-profit organization that is committed to substance abuse prevention and substance abuse recovery. STOP, which employs nine people has grown significantly after hiring the first Executive Director, Amy Turner.

STOP has been working toward the goal of constructing and running a recovery home for at least two years. "Our excitement is difficult to contain, and we can only envision what is in store for our future. This is one step in creating a viable recovery community," said Turner. "STOP invites and challenges our communities to become involved in this most needed project. Crossroads has many opportunities to become involved, including donations."

For more information, you can contact Amy Turner at 304-664-3986 or mail donations to: STOP PO Box 1385, Gilbert, W.Va. 25621.