Meet Beckie Watson | Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Beckie Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beckie, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Our mission is to end housing insecurity for those in recovery by providing safe, affordable, compassionate recovery homes.

Sometimes people need a second chance. Em’s House Foundation was formed to give a hand up to those who are dedicated to reclaiming their lives. Having a safe, stable place to live – something many of us take for granted – allows our residents to focus on recovery and moving forward.

Our residents are men escaping unsafe environments, veterans, men in recovery, and men with justice issues. Most have experienced homelessness. For many, this is their first opportunity to live in a safe neighborhood in a beautiful home.

By placing men in great homes in safe neighborhoods, Em’s House Foundation has created a paradigm
shift on how to change the trajectory of an individual’s life story. Our houses are the ideal homes for healing and recovery through mutual support, education, compassion and kindness. We help our residents become self-sufficient and build confidence so they can become productive members of their community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Em’s House Foundation was inspired by the life and untimely death of my youngest daughter Emily. When Em died tragically of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 20, I was determined to find a way to honor Em’s giving spirit and to help the community. Providing safe and compassionate housing to those in recovery was the perfect way to honor my daughter and to give those in recovery a second chance in life.

The lessons I learned in my real estate investment business have led to some of the innovations I brought to our model of recovery homes. From the very beginning, with the purchase and renovation of our first home, I have prioritized the use of quality materials in both the renovation and furnishing of an Em’s House residence. Providing safe, quality housing during their transition period will help residents value and obtain similar safe, quality housing as they move forward.

I believe strongly in the power of quality housing. Housing security is a key factor in the successful transition from a life of dependency to becoming an independent, contributing member of society. Em’s house is a first step in that transition, providing recovering and disadvantaged residents a compassionate hand up to help them succeed.

I am proud of our recovery program because we provide an individual recovery plan for each resident. We work with each resident to determine their needs and provide referrals and resources to support them on their road to recovery. This individualized approach is uncommon in the recovery community and it has worked well for our residents as we have helped over 40 people transition successfully in the past 18 months.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places to visit: Red Rocks, bike ride along the Cherry Creek bike path, Coors Field, Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver Botanic Gardens, drive to the top of Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, outdoor concerts at Hudson Gardens, Lookout Mountain, Garden of the Gods

Places to hang out: the back patio at my house, any coffee shop, Wash Park

Places to eat: Oliver’s Italian, Ambli Global Cuisine, Rioja, Tavernetta, Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza, Sushi Den, Ocean Prime, Snooze,

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Starting a non-profit from the ground up is challenging, to say the least. My youngest sister Dawn has been there for me from the beginning.

Whenever I started to question whether I could actually make this work, she listened, supported, and encouraged me. Dawn builds my confidence and makes me believe anything is possible and she truly is my rock in life.

She is one of the most positive and upbeat people I know and I could not have done this work without her.

Website: emshousefoundation.org