Pubdate: Fri, 08 Mar 2002
Source: Jackson Sun News (TN)
Copyright: 2002 The Jackson Sun
Contact:  http://www.jacksonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1482
Author: Gary Gray

CENTER TO HELP RECOVERING ADDICTS

Center To Help Women Addicts

A new transitional center opening this spring in East Jackson could make a 
big difference in providing alcohol-addicted women the resources to make it 
on their own.

The Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency off East Chester 
Street is renovating a facility to include a two-floor, 1,300-square-foot 
women's transitional center. JACOA officials and staff hope the center will 
be a link from recovery to self-reliance.

Homeless addicted women make up one of the most marginalized and 
impoverished groups in the nation, and substance abuse is one of the most 
common problems affecting women, said Douglass Harr, executive director.

"Last year, we turned away about 70 women that would have benefitted from 
our services," Harr said. "We've had to refer women from Jackson to other 
agencies in Middle and East Tennessee for housing. By purchasing this 
adjoining building, we will be able to help addicted, homeless women after 
they finish our treatment program. This also will be a complement to 
Montgomery Hall, our men's transitional center."

Five new case workers will be hired to monitor about seven to 10 women. The 
women will live at the center after they complete a 28-day recovery period. 
After-care includes a bed, transportation, meals and help finding permanent 
housing.

The impact of drug addiction for women is overwhelming, said Constance 
DeBerry of JACOA. Under the influence of drugs women lose their spouses, 
their jobs, their children, and their lives, she said.

"We see all types of women and of all ages, but addiction doesn't care how 
old you are," she said.

JACOA, a nonprofit agency, has been in Jackson since 1964. It receives 
funds from donations and from local and state governments. The largest 
contributor to the new center is Maytag of Jackson, Harr said. The 
corporation donated refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and most of 
the appliances that will be installed at the center.

The cost for one 28-day recovery period at JACOA is about $5,000, Harr 
said. That does not include after-care. The agency operates on an annual 
budget of about $2 million, but most of that has come out of the agency's 
reserve funds so far this fiscal year, he said.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens