History


Ten years ago, God put a dream for freeing people from spiritual bondage on my heart. Over the years of serving the needs of our local community, the vision for a home that breaks the generational chains of addiction is now coming to fruition.” – Pastor Jonathan Evans
Pastor Jonathan shares his heart and vision for The Desens House.

Corrie’s Story

Our Name


The name “Desens” comes from one of the original founding families of Elim Grace Church. In the same way that this single family has had an impact on the church community generationally, the Desens House, with its mission of hope and healing, is the next generation of Elim Grace Church. 

We are a Recovery Community 


Desens House is primarily a community of women passionate about hope and freedom. We live life together and are inclusive of women throughout the community that are struggling with hurts, hang-ups and habits; or just need a friend. We have been slowly growing our tribe throughout the last year. We are a strong, vibrant joy-filled community that loves to serve others and see others find a place to call home! 

We are a Resource 


We plan to open a Resource Center in the autumn of 2022 which will serve women in recovery by providing a space where they can rebuild a greater sense of wellbeing, purpose and motivation through supportive relationships with peers and community members living healthy lifestyles. As program participants give back to the community through service projects, artistic skill sets and peer advocacy, they will be seen as assets to the community, and stigmatization against those in recovery will diminish, providing a greater network of support.
Our vision for the Resource Center is to come alongside women struggling with the hardest challenges they have ever attempted: maintaining longterm sobriety. We hope to give them the tools and hope to believe that transformation is possible. Each participant has the potential to become leaders within the Desens House and make a lasting and monumental difference in the Oswego community.

We are a Residence 


We plan to open our first residency pilot program in the spring of 2023. Our long-term programming (12-18 months) will be offered to women who have completed 90 days in an inpatient substance use treatment program. Referrals at this time will come through Farnham Family Services.
This will be a mixed living setting, as our women in recovery will live alongside sober living companions. Through programs like Celebrate Recovery and our Desens House community outreach, our participants will establish a supportive network of friends and peer advocates that will be integral to rebuilding their lives on a solid foundation.
Our women will also be tied into local Christian businesses and non-profit programs, as the power to give back to the community, accomplish projects together as valuable assets and team members, and be a part of something positive, will greatly improve self worth and develop a positive sense of identity. Rooted in Christian principles, we encourage life transformation through supportive and stable relationships.
If you have any questions about our Residency Programming or would like to learn more, reach out to our Director of Resident Life, Alicia Vann, at aliciavann@desenshouse.org

Meet Our Team

Meet Our Board



Board Administrator 

Joe Grasso, Administrator 
Joe experimented with drugs as a teenager and has experience working with homeless men in the Bronx. As operations manager of the shelter he was responsible for security and maintenance of the facilities, handled family placement with the city and was the point person on all New York City government interactions. He developed working relationships with the police department and other community organizations. Joe has a passion to see lives transformed.

COME JOIN OUR COMMUNITY


We can’t change lives alone. We need your skills, experience, and your story.

OUR PARTNERS

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Help us set generations free