Introduction to Magdalen House
For over three decades, the Magdalen House has helped people in Dallas with alcoholism achieve sobriety, sustain recovery, build a community and find a purpose in life. The nonprofit, founded in 1987, served only women until last year, when it expanded its services to include men. The first year, 231 men participated in the two-week residential program. Now, it’s looking to double its services.
Harrison Buford, 28, had been an alcoholic since his teenage years and went to a couple of treatments, but he relapsed every time. He was drinking nonstop until this May, when Buford realized he was destroying his life. He knew about “Maggie’s House,” as the organization is known in the community, and asked his mother to take him there.
“It gave me a place where I could make a decision not to drink again, but also to turn this over to do something else with my life,” Buford said. “That’s what Maggie’s does.” He received, at no cost, housing and support to help him achieve and maintain a sober lifestyle.
Buford has been sober since he participated in all the programs provided by Magdalen House and now serves as a volunteer, actively engaging with the community to spread the word.
A Deeper Problem
In 2024, the Magdalen House served 1,864 individuals. Its mission is to address alcoholism as a disease, not a mere behavioral issue, recognizing that many individuals lack appropriate, accessible and dignified places for recovery, said Lisa Kroencke, who serves as the CEO.
Kroencke is a recovered alcoholic who participated in the program 18 years ago. Since then, she has remained with the organization, serving in various roles.
She found traditional rehabs lacked a sense of community and belonging, which led to repeated relapses. At one point, she nearly died from her addiction.
Discovering Magdalen House was transformative; she found a welcoming, nonjudgmental community where she didn’t have to hide her struggles.
The Importance of Community and Purpose
For Kroencke, sobriety alone is not enough; finding purpose through helping others and being part of a community is essential.
“It’s not just about staying sober. You get to have a purpose, like the pain is the purpose, and that shame lifts when you help another person,” Kroencke said. “And so you’re living with the shame. I live with it, but when I share my shame with another person, it starts to evaporate.”
She sees life as “more beautiful on the other side,” being a recovered alcoholic, and wants to reduce the stigma, encouraging others not to be ashamed of being in recovery.
Expansion and Growth
Currently, Magdalen House serves 12 men. Due to an increase in men seeking help, they purchased a new house to double their capacity.
The new house, at 2002 Moser Ave., will feature 20 beds for men in recovery.
A capital campaign is underway to raise funds for renovations that will ensure the new home meets all program and safety requirements. The organization plans to open the new house by the end of next summer.
How the Programs Work
By helping individuals rebuild their lives, the organization aims to reduce the broader social impacts of alcoholism, including effects on families, the legal and health care systems, homelessness and domestic violence, said Kroencke.
The organization offers three programs designed to help individuals transform their lives. All of them are free; no insurance is required. Participants need to want to be there voluntarily. No one is admitted against their will.
