Angel’s House of Healing

[Editor’s note: This story was originally published by the Caledonia Argus and is published here with permission.]

CALEDONIA/LA CROSSE — Designed as a launchpad for women seeking a second chance, Angel’s House of Healing is a new women’s recovery home serving the tri-state area — and for its founder, it’s been a deeply personal journey.

Doors officially opened in June for Angel’s House, and already it’s making an impact. Located in La Crosse, the center is open to women in southeastern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and beyond.

It offers not just a roof over its residents’ heads, but a foundation to build a life beyond sobriety — one rooted in purpose, healing, and self-worth.

Founder Amber Miller is a Caledonia native who grew up surrounded by alcohol. It was so woven into her life that she couldn’t imagine how to live without it — or who she’d even be if she did.

That changed when her mother, Angel, died from alcoholism and unhealed trauma. Amber was only 22.

“I remember thinking, ‘Someone needs to change the laws. Someone needs to provide more resources,’” she said. “But I didn’t realize then that I was that someone.”

Grieving and unsure how to cope, Miller turned to the only escape she knew — drinking. For 11 years, she tried to numb the pain. Eventually, she reached a fork in the road: give her children the same life she had known or face the fear, get sober and step into the unknown.

Amber Miller, infant, pictured with her mom, Angel. The love between a mother and daughter continues to grow through a new recovery home. (Photo by Amber Miller)

“It was in sobriety that I finally began to feel, to heal and to truly understand,” she said. Now, she’s transforming that pain into purpose through Angel’s House of Healing.

“It’s been 16 years since my mom passed away—but my love for her has only grown,” Miller shared. “Angel’s House was born from that love. A love between a mother and daughter that didn’t end with death—it evolved into something that will live on through every woman we help.

“My mom believed in me. She used to say, ‘You’re going to do big things.’ We just didn’t know those big things would come through her leaving this world.”

With Angel’s House, Miller wants to help women not just survive — but rise.

“Many women carry shame, guilt, and labels that keep them stuck. At Angel’s House, we use the past as a launchpad for the future — a future they can be proud of.”

The program equips residents to reclaim their worth and step into their power. Women will work toward employment, entrepreneurship or education. They’ll develop life skills, financial literacy and emotional intelligence while learning to regulate their nervous systems, set boundaries, and nourish their minds and bodies.

“Angel’s House is more than a sober living home — it’s a place of transformation,” said Miller. “Women will leave here empowered, connected and ready to contribute to the world in powerful ways.”

“I quit drinking so my kids wouldn’t grow up carrying the same pain I did,” Miller reflected. “Now they walk beside me in this mission—planting seeds of change. Because when a woman heals, she becomes the foundation her children rise from. She becomes the cycle-breaker. She becomes a force for good.”

Miller said she knows she’ll see her mom again someday. “Until then, her love lives on in every woman who walks through these doors and chooses herself. Angel didn’t just love me — she loved people. And that love is going to change lives.”

This is just one of the relaxing places to enjoy a good book, journaling or an afternoon nap. (Photo by Amber Miller)

How Angel’s House works

Angel’s House is built for long term impact and sustainability. “My mom couldn’t afford the help she needed,” Miller explained. “So I created a model that removes that barrier for others.”

Unlike traditional nonprofit models, Angel’s House is a heart-centered business designed to be financially sustainable. However, through a partnership with a nonprofit, the home accepts donations to provide scholarships for women who are ready to heal but lack the financial means.

The house operates on a peer-to-peer model — women helping women. “Connection is the antidote to addiction,” said Miller. “We provide a safe, supportive environment that fuels growth.”

Volunteer facilitators offer trauma-informed healing modalities such as breath work, sound therapy, meditation, movement and more. The program also includes curriculum from the nonprofit 1 Life Fully Lived, which teaches vision-building, financial empowerment, wellness and relationship development. Residents are required to attend three outside recovery meetings each week.

The cost is $1,100 per month, which covers housing, utilities, furnishings and programming. Residents bring their own food and clothing, though community family-style meals are in development. There is no maximum stay at this time, with the average expected to be nine to 18 months based on each woman’s unique journey.

Angel’s House of Healing was named in honor of Angel Miller, a woman with a spirit that still shines today. (Photo courtesy of Amber Miller)

Support and ways to get involved

Angel’s House is fueled by community support, and Miller is quick to express gratitude. “Thank you to every single person who believed, donated, volunteered or simply shared words of encouragement,” she said. “You are part of this. Let’s keep the momentum going.”

Volunteer Lindsey Rohrer shared, “Since finding my own journey into sobriety, I have found a passion for holding space for others to find their path to sobriety and happiness. I believe together we are stronger and can continue to show others that recovery is possible as well as finding our own strengths to create positive change in the world. I whole heartedly believe Angels House of Healing will do these exact things and I’ve never felt more compelled to be part of the beginning of something so beautiful.”

Angel’s House continues to welcome volunteers, donors and community partners. Whether it’s offering a unique skill, helping with transportation or simply spreading the word, there’s room for everyone who wants to be part of the mission.

To learn more or get involved, visit the Angel’s House of Healing website or follow along on Facebook.