Women's Hope~

Women's Hope is a 14 to 28 day residential treatment program located in Dorchester and serving women with long and debilitating histories of drug and alcohol addiction, especially pregnant women and women who have been court ordered to undergo substance abuse treatment.

A woman entering the Women's Hope program has experienced many losses through the disease of alcoholism and/or drug addiction: her job and friends; her home and family; her dignity and hope.

A Women's Hope client may be 18 years old or over 60. She may be Latino or Asian: African-American or Caucasian: heterosexual or lesbian. She may also be pregnant or have attendant health problems such as mental illness, a physical disability or a chronic disease. She may be HIV-positive or have AIDS. Because of pregnancy or health issues, her chances of starting recovery in a structured program are limited.

At Women's Hope, no one is denied admission because of these issues. Here we work with each woman to achieve the many daily gains-trust, hope, self-esteem- that compromise recovery.

Our structured program of education and therapy is uniquely designed by women to address the special needs and issues of women. Because we believe that one of our program's strengths is sensitivity to female issues surrounding alcoholism and addiction, all of our direct care staff are sensitive to women.

As our clients progress through treatment, they receive alcohol and substance abuse education and develop life skills, self-awareness and support for one another while participating in a cooperative living experience.

Women's Hope provides a carefully integrated daily program of group and individual treatment sessions, including:

educational groups
group therapy
treatment and aftercare planning
individual counseling
recreational therapy
family education groups
occupational therapy and specialized groups focused on women's issues

When a woman enters Women's Hope, she undertakes an important process to change old behaviors and attitudes in pursuit of recovery. Here she becomes part of a therapeutic "family" where she gets to know other women and learns to share her thoughts, problems, fear and hope. Her willingness to share and take personal risks within this "family" is the most valuable part of her treatment and recovery. The woman who takes this challenge to heart has much to gain, beginning with a better quality of life and a deeper understanding of herself. When she gains hope, self-esteem and dignity, her potential is unlimited.

United Way
of Massachusetts Bay

last updated 7/17/2006