Katy Parker, a PhD in psychology, and her husband Glenn bought seven acres tucked away near Rice Creek Plantation in Port Wentworth in 2021, hoping to open the center in about six months to a year. Front Porch Recover Center, a six-bed voluntary addiction and alcohol recovery program, was a passion project they poured their money and energy into when they moved across the country.

Their plans stalled shortly after they bought the house and moved to Port Wentworth because neighboring residents along the private dirt road complained that the facility was operating as a commercial business and was illegal. The Parkers were denied a special use permit, even though the zoning at the time allowed for a residential treatment center.

“I was just confused. I thought, well, they just need education,” Katy Parker said. “So I made a 50-slide Powerpoint illustrating who they are, what we intend to do, how we do it, how the people there will be monitored and treated. I did the whole song and dance, and at the end. of the day they were just like we’re glad you want to help but not here no.