Hidden Gems: Meet Monica Hedges-Wrentz of Overview Transitional Housing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Hedges-Wrentz.

Hi Monica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you, as you mentioned, my name is Monica; and I was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. I am a wife, mother, business owner, life coach and consultant. These titles came with trials and tribulations, and I am happy to say I have earned each and every one! I hope my transparency gives someone the courage to keep going no matter the obstacles they encounter.

Imagine living through a year you thought was sent to destroy you but find out a couple of years later it was an assignment to prepare you for the life you asked for. All my life I’ve wanted to be used by God to help His people (be careful what you ask for). I had to grow through some things for this to happen. I mean how can I help someone if I’ve never experienced or overcame my own obstacles? Oddly enough, realizing my purpose came after enduring one of the hardest years of my life.

In 2014 I owned two Spas, and after bringing me much success by 2017 they were failing. It became increasingly hard to meet payroll and operational costs. I depleted my savings to keep the business afloat only for the misfortune to leak into my household. The doors closed on my business and eventually, I faced foreclosure. I was forced to close the doors of the Spas and focus on a new venture.

My mission was to provide housing to individuals who were at risk of homelessness. I rented a huge 5-bedroom home and had visions of filling it with people to turn a profit quickly. I was completely oblivious to how to run a housing business but thought my passion to help people would prevail over my ignorance. Getting the property licensed was a struggle and proved unsuccessful after numerous attempts.

Without the license, it was hard to get residents which once again forced me to close the door on my dream, taking me back to the drawing board. Instead of embarking on a journey of purpose, I was faced with yet another failure. I fell into depression, which I hid well. I felt defeated, but my faith reminded me this wasn’t my final chapter.

Determined not to give up, I took the leap of faith by purchasing a house sight unseen. This house was known in the neighborhood as a heroin/crack house and needed major repairs. The house was infested with rodents, holes in the floor to where you could see into the basement, busted-out windows, and had no electricity or running water. The house was in deplorable condition but surprisingly was still inhabited the day I took possession of it!

Still living with depression, I made a conscious effort to go to the house and work. I cleaned, painted, and I even laid some carpet. I knew better days were on the horizon, despite not knowing when I’d experience them. Within 8 months, the house was ready, and I submitted the application to operate a residential facility and PASSED! JOY!!!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today, I own Overview Transitional Housing; Residential Facilities for women living with mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorders. I started with the first house and opened the 2nd house less than 2 years later. Overcoming life’s obstacles and defeating my depression prepared me for this career path, it allows me to be relative to our residents and help enact change in their lives. In hindsight, how prophetic was it to purchase (unbeknownst to me) a drug house and transform it into a place where women with substance use find refuge and support to sustain sobriety?

I also own Overview Behavioral Health Services; a Community Behavioral Health Agency, which delivers certified Mental Health & Substance Use Services. Being an Agency has allowed us to create a comprehensive housing program integrating wrap-around services with a holistic approach to our residents. Obtaining our certification was strongly influenced by the effects the Pandemic had on our Residents. While the world was shut down, life was still ‘lifing’ for them, and we were the bridge to their care.

To expand my reach in the community, I am the Program Coordinator for a Cold & Day Shelter which operates in Over the Rhine. On the days I work at the shelter a few of my residents join me and run the kitchen feeding the homeless while I work in the office. Doing so gives them a sense of community and purpose.

I also work as a Life Coach to women living in the Welcome Home Collaborative Housing Program. This position allows me to exercise my skills and passion by assisting women experiencing chronic homelessness. Lastly, I am a consultant lending my expertise to people across Ohio who are wanting to open their own residential facilities.

I learned more about myself in times of failure than I ever did being successful. The failure forced me to understand the part I played and to discover my strength. With accountability came healing, and those extreme peaks and valleys I experienced, have since been replaced with a continuous incline of growth and success.

Who else deserves credit for your story?
I have an awesome support team. My Husband Daryl, daughters Desire’, Kyra, and Masiya, and my mother, and sister have all been pivotal to my success. They have been my sounding boards, calm to the storm, and motivational forces all while I’ve been on this entrepreneurial journey. I am forever grateful for their patience and love.

I was groomed for this life, growing up my dad was very active in the community, and had my sisters and me right at his side; I almost feel like I am walking in his footsteps. Being able to work closely with people in the community gives me a feeling of purpose; but, to experience those same people who knock down barriers, and thrive makes me most proud.

All too often adverse times are seen as punishment, but I’m here to say view them as refinement. With everything, move with true intentions and a pure heart. Remember tough times don’t last, but tough people do………

Contact Info:

• Website: www.overviewtransitionalhousing.com

Image Credits
Forever Faith Photography