A 19th-century house becomes a women's recovery home in Middlesex County
A nineteenth-century house in Middlesex County has been restored to serve a new purpose.
Its story isn’t just about architecture. It’s about the life-changing recovery work happening inside its walls.
Libby Protzman is chief of operations at Wings of Hope, an organization designed to help women recover from addiction. For Protzman, the Wings of Hope mission is deeply personal.
“I lost my father in July of 2024 to a lifelong battle with alcohol,” Protzman said. “I know if I can just touch one life, he’s smiling down at me, proud of me.”
The house was constructed in 1896 and has a long history of service. Before it was purchased by Wings of Hope in October 2025, it was used by a humanitarian nonprofit. Today, it has been rebranded as Ella’s House, named in honor of director Robert Pace’s daughter and Protzman’s mother.
Wings of Hope serves Middlesex and Hartford counties, providing a high-standard living environment for women transitioning through recovery. The organization serves anyone battling substance use disorders, including alcoholism and drug addiction, Protzman said.
The philosophy behind the house is simple: dignity facilitates recovery.
“We believe that anyone who has a higher calling to long-term recovery and wants to change their life around deserves to have a nice place to live,” Protzman said.
To support this goal, Ella’s House offers more than just a roof. The facility provides fully furnished living spaces, an on-site office dedicated to employment readiness, and telehealth resources for ongoing medical and mental health support, according to Protzman.
Currently, the house provides a sanctuary for 25 women, part of a larger network that supports over 100 men and women across the region.
Protzman notes that the organization acts as a lifeline for those facing the “lethal combo” of addiction and homelessness.
“People that are sleeping outside, our neighbors that are living in their cars or living in abandoned buildings… are at risk,” Protzman said. “We are able to quickly house people.”
By bridging the elegance of the 1890s with the urgent needs of the present, Ella’s House stands as a testament to the power of second chances.
If you or someone you know is seeking recovery resources, you can find more information through Wings of Hope Recovery.
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