Project Alley, a non-profit women's recovery home located in Dry Fork, celebrated a ribbon cutting on July 30, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the addiction recovery initiative. The organization, which provides a structured and spiritually inclusive sanctuary for women struggling with addiction, aims to offer a path toward healing and transformation within the Vernal community.
Mission and Facilities
The Project Alley Inc. facility is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization situated on 2.97 acres. According to a July 30 announcement from the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, the home is dedicated to addressing substance use disorder, a disease the organization describes as devastating families and overwhelming community systems. The mission focuses on helping women overcome unique barriers to recovery, specifically addressing how substance use can act as both a response to trauma and a barrier to healing from it.
Project Alley operates under the tagline, "Raising women back to life on cemetery road," a phrase that reflects the organization's goal of helping women rise from the shadows of substance use into a new life of purpose. The facility is designed to provide a safe and drug-free environment, offering peer support, encouragement, and the necessary structure to assist women as they take steps toward a new future.
Founder's Vision
The initiative was founded by Heath McDougal-Deans, a pastor at Kingsbury Community United Church of Christ and a Member in Discernment in the Rocky Mountain Conference. McDougal-Deans, who has lived in Vernal for 14 years, established Project Alley in 2023 as a manifestation of his own personal recovery journey and ministry.
McDougal-Deans, who has worked as a therapist in the drug court for seven years, noted that the name Project Alley was inspired by the concept that even in the darkest alleys of life, a way out exists. "A whole new world is out there but change really comes from within. The way is self-love, connection, and community," McDougal-Deans said, according to a December 17, 2025, report from the Rocky Mountain Conference.
A History of Service
The facility is designed to accommodate up to ten women at a time, providing a space where residents can come as they are to find dignity and transformation. McDougal-Deans expressed deep gratitude for the support of the Vernal community, noting the impact the area has had on his own life since his arrival 14 years ago.
Before establishing the recovery home, McDougal-Deans spent over eight years ministering at the Kingsbury Community United Church of Christ, the same church he first visited during his first week in Vernal. His work with the organization is deeply personal, as he has spent much of his time in the region working toward sobriety and supporting others through similar journeys.
Community Support
Project Alley's growth follows a period of significant development for the organization. While the recovery home has been active since its founding in 2023, the city of Vernal celebrated the grand opening of the new home in November 2025, as reported by the Rocky Mountain Conference.
As the organization continues to expand its impact, it relies on community support to sustain its mission. Project Alley accepts donations through its Venmo platform to fund its operations and recovery programs, aiming to ensure that every person has access to a safe place to rebuild their lives free from substances, isolation, and shame.
A Path Forward
The ribbon cutting held on July 30, 2026, highlights the growing role of specialized recovery services in the Uintah Basin. By providing a dedicated space for women to find community and structure, Project Alley seeks to break the cycle of addiction and trauma through a model rooted in the belief that every person deserves a second chance.
