SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Wooden It Be Lovely (WIBL) began in 2016 when Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup purchased a chair from an antique store, painted it, and pitched the concept to her church. 

"I have this great idea," Jessup said. "We're going to hire women living in poverty and drug addiction to come into our church and paint furniture."

That single chair still sits in the WIBL's building, alongside dozens of other chairs waiting for their chance to be upcycled by WIBL staff. 

Jessup always had a heart for women living in poverty and recovering from drug addiction, but couldn't imagine the many ways the nonprofit would expand. After a decade, the nonprofit has helped hundreds of women find employment and sobriety through upcycled furniture, sewing and candle-making.

"We have helped hundreds of women," Jessup said. "We're really proud that we have really good outcomes. Of the women that have graduated our program, 81% are employed and sober and having a happy, successful life." 

On any given day, a dozen women are hard at work painting furniture, creating wall decor and pouring candles. Amanda Anderson spends her time in the sewing room. 

"What drew me to WIBL was working, because it's hard to find jobs whenever you're coming out of legal situations or any just addiction, period," Anderson said. "So the idea that I could come in and work and make money and support myself through what I needed to get through was the draw for me."

Anderson also loves the connections she has built with other women who have experienced similar situations. Instead of facing judgement, she finds support. 

"It gives me hope, a lot of hope," said Norissa Agans, another WIBL employee. "I have a sister that is still addicted, so I'm hoping maybe one day she can also do this." 

WIBL recently purchased the former Temple Israel Building, across the street from their current headquarters at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church. The purchase was made possible by a donation through the trust of the late Illinois Supreme Court Justice Benjamin K. Miller.

Jessup plans to host a ribbon-cutting at the new space Sept. 25 and 26. 

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.