Project Strong Families, a substance-abuse treatment program for pregnant and parenting women and their families, is coming to an end this month. PSF was launched in September 2008 thanks to a 3-year SAMHSA grant. Over three years, we have served 86 women, approximately 63 children, 29 fathers/partners and 132 family members.

Thanks to the success of Project Strong Families, we at St. Monica’s have learned the significant power of including the entire family in treatment. The participation and support of family members has proven key to the engagement and retention of the women we serve – 90 percent of our clients who have mended or maintained support from their families are completing treatment.

St. Monica’s treatment programs will continue to meet the Project Strong Families goal of building a strong, healthy bond between mother and child, while creating a clear path toward recovery. We will continue to provide all of our pregnant and parenting clients with family therapy and education; parenting classes; prenatal and postnatal health care; and child therapy.

In addition, St. Monica’s is very pleased to introduce our recent Next Step independent residential housing. Next Step is a shared living environment for sober women in recovery, alumni of St. Monica’s or other treatment services. Residents must be employed, in school or performing volunteer work. They pay a small housing stipend and are responsible for their own food and other basic needs. St. Monica’s provides community support services.

St. Monica’s greatly appreciates your support of all of our programs and services. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.