When the doors of the House of Hope in Brundidge open to the public Friday afternoon, those who come will experience the realization of a dream.

It has been nearly two years since Bobby and Mary Jane Poe first conceived the idea of a transition home for women struggling with alcohol and drug addictions.

On Friday, from 3 until 5 p.m., the public will be invited to open house at the House of Hope on the corner of South Main and Fleming streets in Brundidge.

Bobby Poe said it has taken a village for the dream to become a reality. Many of those who have believed in and supported the efforts will share in the moment.

Following open house, at 6:30 p.m. the Alabama Teen Challenge House of Hope Banquet will be at J. Michelle’s on Highway 231 north of Brundidge.

Tickets for the banquet are available at $10 for individuals and $800 for corporate and sponsor tables. For tickets call 334-672-3900 or email mjpoe@att.net.

Edward Wilson, executive director of Alabama Adult Teen Challenge, will be the featured speaker and several women from Teen Challenge will share what Teen Challenge has meant to them.

Wilson said the House of Hope in Brundidge is the first transition facility for Alabama Teen Challenge.

“Bobby and Mary Poe approached Alabama Teen Challenge with their vision for a transition home for ladies who are struggling with addictions,” Wilson said. “This had been on our drawing board for some time and we accepted the property to operate under the name of Alabama Teen Challenge.

“The House of Hope gives another layer of support to the ladies who are struggling with addictions.”

Teen Challenge originated with David Wilkerson in 1958 and Alabama Teen Challenge opened for men in 1972 in Birmingham.

The House of Hope can accommodate up to 10 women ages 18 and older.

The women who come to the House of Hope will have completed a 12-month program at the Hayden Ladies Center and will transition at the Brundidge facility.

“Often times, the ladies that come from a Christian disciple program will not go back to people who have experienced what they have,” Wilson said. “The House of Hope will meet the individual needs to each of the ladies and will give them another layer of protection and security.”

Wilson said the women who come to the House of Hope will seek to find jobs and a portion of their wages will be dedicated to the operating expenses of the facility. Because Alabama Teen Challenge is a faith-based program, the women will also attend the church of their choice while at the House of Hope.

“For those who complete the Alabama Teen Challenge 12-month program, the success rate is 87 percent,” Wilson said. “We are looking forward to providing this additional level of protection and encouragement to the ladies who transition at the House of Hope in Brundidge.”