> News > Local News

Email: "Helping women remain clean and sober"
*To:		<--TO Email REQUIRED!
*From:		<--FROM Email REQUIRED!

Already a homeless shelter for women and their children, the YWCA is now also a halfway house.

The idea is to provide a chance for women with substance abuse issues to stay with their children as they continue to work to stay sober and clean, said director Ann Davidson. While staying at the historic brick structure on First Avenue North, they will be able to get their lives together and strengthen their independence.

‘‘My hope would be other providers see the YWCA as a compliment to what they do,’’ Davidson said. ‘‘I always think collaboration and cooperation are the way to go.’’

The organization is not trying to repeat what’s already available, she said. It is simply trying to address root causes of homelessness.

‘‘Most of the women coming to us in need had substance abuse histories,’’ Davidson said. ‘‘We were attempting to provide them services with only a couple of people, and we couldn’t successfully do that.’’

Becoming a licensed halfway house enabled the organization to qualify for payment for helping the women already there, she said, as well as opening the doors to women who may not otherwise have thought to find help at the YWCA.

The organization received its license from the state in July, and additional staff was hired and trained in August. While the clinical director, Bob Thacker, provides regular one-on-one counseling sessions, as does case manager Shylo Wheeler, it’s the dozen or so program assistants who are a ‘‘vital link,’’ Davidson said.

It’s their job to monitor clients, administer medications and help identify relapse signs before it happens.

‘‘We recognize relapses will occur,’’ Davidson said. ‘‘What’s more important is intent to be clean and sober. We watch for those who are truly trying and those who are simply flying under the radar. We want women here who are committed to recovery and making a better life for themselves and their children.’’

There are currently three clients in the fledgling program, and Davidson anticipates eventually being able to handle from nine to 15 clients at a time. She doesn’t expect it will difficult to find women to take part in the program. A similar center, The House of Mercy, in Des Moines, has a six-month waiting list.

Waiting so long can be detrimental to staying sober and clean, Davidson said. These women go into a 26- or 28- day program and are then released with the expectation that they’ve managed to change behaviors and habits they’ve developed over years.

‘‘That is asking a lot in and of itself,’’ Davidson said, ‘‘but how can we expect them to maintain sobriety when they’re put right back into the environment that fostered their addictions in the first place?’’

Prospective clients can be referred from sources such as treatment centers, social service providers, correctional facilities and churches. The individuals can also seek help themselves.

When they approach the YWCA, they are evaluated to see if qualify for reimbursement through Magellan Health Services, which holds a contract with the Iowa Department of Human Services and Department of Health. If they don’t, there is the option of self-pay, which the YWCA offers at one-third of the rate of costs.

‘‘We’re trying to keep it affordable,’’ Davidson said. ‘‘We believe these are services people need.’’

Women in the halfway house program not only receive counseling regarding their issues with substance abuse, they also take part in group sessions to learn independent living skills, as well as one-on-one sessions with the case manager and housing director as part of the transition housing program.

‘‘The programs run side-by-side pretty seamlessly,’’ Davidson said. ‘‘It’s good for everyone to be participating in goal setting and striving for achievements. You have to have a light out there on the horizon you’re heading toward.’’



Contact Dawn Thompson at (515) 573-2141 or dthompson@messengernews.net

 

Subscribe to Messenger News

Share: