Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Watson.
Hi Kristi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
What started as a small Friday night sober support meeting inside our Just a Dad from Akron store quickly grew into something much bigger. We saw firsthand how many people were seeking support, connection, and hope in recovery and it became clear we needed to expand and offer more resources. And so, the JADFA House, a nonprofit recovery community organization was born. We didn’t have all the answers or a clear roadmap, but we trusted that God would lead the way. And He did.
In 2022, an anonymous donor gifted us a building at 916 Kenmore Blvd, Akron, Ohio 44314. The building had been abandoned for over seven years and was in complete disrepair. It needed a full renovation, which came with its share of challenges, unexpected delays, changes in plans, and moments where the mountain in front of us seemed too high to climb. But with perseverance, faith, and community support, we pressed on.
Fast forward to 2024, I gave birth to my son and made the decision to leave my professional career at a Cleveland law firm. Becoming a stay-at-home mom gave me the opportunity to step fully into my role as Executive Director of the JADFA House. It’s a role I’m deeply honored to hold, and one I often share with my son right by my side. I’m passionate about normalizing the idea that moms can lead, serve, and build something meaningful while raising their children at the same time. Wherever I’m found working, it’s not unusual to find my little one close by, learning, growing, and being part of this mission.
Today, the JADFA House stands as a living, breathing answer to prayer, a place where those seeking recovery can find hope, resources, and community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We’ve been really blessed with an incredible amount of support, and I never want to take away from how grateful we are. But the road definitely had its challenges too.
Construction was a big one. I had no experience in that world, and I thought it would be a quick and simple project, maybe four months. But between permits, architectural plans, and unexpected code issues, it turned into a two-year process. That was pretty tough and, at times, really discouraging.
Another big hurdle was personal, my son was born prematurely, and we spent a long stretch in the hospital/NICU. That shifted my focus for a while, as it should have. Thankfully, he’s a healthy 10 month old now, and life has settled back into a new normal.
Through all of it, though, the setbacks made the victories even sweeter, and I wouldn’t trade the lessons we learned along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m Kristi Watson, Executive Director of the JADFA House in Akron, Ohio. I oversee the day-to-day operations of our nonprofit recovery community organization, working to create a safe, supportive space for individuals seeking hope and healing. My role includes everything from coordinating programs to building relationships with our community and helping ensure that anyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and seen.
As a person, I’m passionate about serving others and leading with heart. I’m a mom, a nonprofit leader, and someone who believes deeply in the power of second chances. I’m proud of my ability to balance many hats and work well in an environment that changes daily often without a clear roadmap for what each day will bring. Flexibility, creativity, and a heart for people have been key to the journey.
Outside of my role at the JADFA House, I’m also known for usually having a camera in hand if it’s not my baby, it’s my camera capturing moments and telling stories through photographs. No matter what season I’m in, my heart is always set on loving people well and finding beauty in the everyday.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, we hope to continue growing the JADFA House and expanding our reach within the recovery community. Our heart is to see more lives saved, more chains of addiction broken, and more generational cycles ended through the hope and connection found in our space.
While we’re newly completed in our current building, we’re already dreaming about the future. We would love to one day open a second location or expand our existing space to accommodate even larger recovery meetings and offer even more resources to those who need them. We believe this is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see where God leads us next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.thejadfahouse.org
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thejadfahouse
- Facebook: Facebook.com/thejadfahouse
