Sophia’s House, a project of The Center for Wisdom’s Women, will provide a long-term residential community of hope and healing for women who have experienced trafficking/exploitation, prison and addiction. Opening is planned for late fall.

The project involves renovation and so is not literally breaking ground. It is, however, a ground-breaking project worth celebrating as renovations begin. One of more than 40 houses being developed around the country modeled on Thistle Farms in Nashville, Tenn., it is the first of its kind in Maine and it is restoring not only the physical building, but its purpose as a safe home for women.

The celebration will take place in the former chapel of the future Sophia’s House. It will not be the typical hard-hat and gold-shovel event. Meet to learn more about the plans, speak with the architect, contractor and other project partners, experience poetry and song related to the purpose of the house, share hopes and blessings, and have hot chocolate, coffee and breakfast snacks. There will be minimal heat in the building, so dress warmly.