A 114-year-old mansion in Akron’s Highland Square is being transformed into a haven for survivors of abuse. The seven-bedroom house, known as the Parker House, was purchased by Holly Wiley for $289,000. Wiley, a survivor of abuse herself, plans to live in the house and provide a safe space for four to five women at a time.

Renovation Plans

The house, which has been abandoned for some time, requires significant renovations. Wiley estimates that the refurbishment will cost around $428,000, which will be covered by federal grants. She plans to preserve as many of the original features as possible, including the woodwork, flooring, and fireplaces.

The house will be called Willows Haven and will provide a nonclinical space for women to recover and rebuild their lives. Wiley plans to offer group discussions and peer support opportunities, and she will also be studying trauma therapy at the University of Akron.

A Safe Space

Wiley’s goal is to create a comfortable and safe environment for survivors of abuse. She believes that the house, which has been abandoned and neglected, is the perfect symbol of the journey that many women face. By restoring the house, Wiley hopes to show that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

The 1.65-acre property will feature a lavender garden and willow trees, providing a peaceful and calming atmosphere for the women who will be living there. Wiley also plans to start a small business, making and selling candles and lotions using the products from the garden.

Teresa Stafford-Wright, CEO of Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, believes that Willows Haven will provide a much-needed service for survivors of abuse. She notes that many women who have been abused struggle to find employment and rebuild their lives, and that a supportive community like Willows Haven can make a significant difference.

Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.