From church overflow to independent home, Saint Monica’s expands mission to support women in recovery
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- For ten years, a small but determined ministry operated out of a church-affiliated space called the Henry House, offering a lifeline to women battling addiction and homelessness.
In November 2024, that mission moved into a new chapter, quite literally, with the opening of Saint Monica's Home for Women, a dedicated, independent sober living facility now serving as a permanent home for recovery and reintegration.
Founded by Terri Insco alongside her daughter, Taylor Wolfe, Saint Monica's was born out of Insco's own recovery journey over 50 years ago.
The faith-based home provides women with safe housing, structured routines, job support, and access to Bible studies and discipleship.
While not a rehabilitation center, the home offers a stable environment where residents can maintain their sobriety, work, and address court or family obligations.
The newer location marks a significant milestone for the organization.
Previously, the ministry operated from the Henry House, part of Rock Fellowship Church, where it served approximately 36 women over a decade.
The current home now houses women who are actively working toward independence, with some having already regained custody of their children and transitioned into stable employment and housing.
"We provide each other with safe communication, kind words, loving words, encouraging words," said Insco. "It's not made to happen, it's expected because it's the culture. It's the flow of the house."
Taylor McNeely, Director of Community Engagement, added, "I walk through the doors and I believed in myself for the first time in 29 years."
The home operates as a nonprofit and relies on donations to sustain its work.
Residents follow a structured schedule that includes employment, assigned chores, yard maintenance, and multiple Bible studies each week, along with Sunday church services held on-site.
Referrals come from local agencies such as Northwest Health, Family Guidance, drug court, and jail outreach programs.
While the number of graduates from the new location remains a bit on the smaller side, having five women have successfully moved on since November, both founders emphasize that even one transformed life creates a ripple effect that touches children, families, and the broader community.
"There are many people that will try to come in just to have a place to stay or get out of jail," Insco noted. "But they have to be willing to make sacrifices, follow rules, and give up a lot. It's worth it. It's peaceful."
The home's mission is rooted in the belief that every woman deserves a second chance.
"I fight so hard because there's somebody else out there who wants their kids back but has no idea that they matter enough to deserve them," said McNeely.
Saint Monica's Home for Women continues to accept referrals and donations.
More information can be found on their newly launched website.
