Ruth’s Restoration Place
“Recovery cannot happen in chaos. A safe and stable place gives women the chance to heal grow and be restored one woman at a time. ”
Meet Cheryl Brown, the founder of Ruth’s Restoration Place, a transitional home created to support women who are rebuilding their lives after addiction, trauma, homelessness or incarceration. Cheryl’s work is rooted in lived experience and a deep understanding that recovery becomes possible when a woman finally has safety, stability and care.
As a Founder Member of the House of LáLew Cheryl’s journey shows what it means to turn personal restoration into purpose. She leads with compassion and clarity while building a space where women can heal without judgment and walk into a better life with confidence.
Her Mission
Ruth’s Restoration Place will provide temporary transitional housing for women who need a secure and supportive environment to complete their recovery. Cheryl hopes that when women leave Ruth’s Restoration Place they will have learned the skills to become self-sufficient, be productive in society, share their journey to inspire others and be restored to a better life — one woman at a time.
What Inspired the Journey
Cheryl’s calling began with her own story of survival. After overcoming many traumas she reached a turning point during her last rehab stint. She had requested outpatient treatment in the Albany area to continue her recovery but the night before discharge she was told that a paperwork issue would send her back to Rochester. She was upset and unsure of what would happen next. A woman she knew who served as the Director of a transitional house in Syracuse stepped in and made a life-changing phone call that set her path in a new direction.
The Director contacted the transitional house and arranged for Cheryl to have a place there. Cheryl describes this moment as the best thing that could have happened to her. While living in that home she paid close attention to how everything worked. She asked questions, did background research and learned what would be required to open a women’s home in Rochester. This experience reaffirmed her desire to create a safe and supportive place for women who needed it.
When Cheryl returned home she began working in recovery coaching, peer services and mental health with both men and women. This work made the need even clearer. She saw women trying to recover while living in unstable situations and she knew she could create a space that offered safety, structure and real support.
Her Impact
Cheryl reached a milestone in September 2025 when she held her first Kickoff Fundraiser at the Strathallan Hotel with Dr. Tracy Strawberry as the featured speaker. The event drew attention throughout the Rochester community and received coverage from several local outlets including Minority Reporter, WHEC News 10 and 13WHAM. Each story highlighted the purpose behind Ruth’s Restoration Place and the vision Cheryl is building for women who need safety and support during life’s most vulnerable moments.
Connect with Cheryl
🌐 ruthsrestorationplace.org
📘 Facebook: Ruth’s Restoration Place
📘 Facebook: PK Brown
