Joy Reigns Lutheran Church Pastor, Sara Yotter, breathes a heavy sigh when asked about the obstacles confronting women in recovery and their children. She points to daily barriers — too little support, lack of transportation, and unreliable childcare — that can make an already difficult journey even harder. “It can be a struggle, especially for those who don’t have an outside support system,” says Pastor Sara.

For a mother leaving a recovery home, staying sober is incredibly hard — and even harder when she must also figure out where to safely go next with her children. Joy Reigns' Journey to Joy Program meets women at that critical transition, giving them the time and support to rebuild their lives while welcoming multiple children, including teens.

A 2025 recipient of a Fund for Anne Arundel grant, Journey to Joy is using the funds to provide recovery rental assistance to mothers and children living in its supportive and affordable sober living house, enabling the mothers to focus their attention away from financial challenges and toward sobriety and family.