The new AWARE residential location is providing recovery-oriented treatment services of women, mothers, and infants.
by Kathy Foster
Officials with the AWARE program, part of Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort Inc., said at the facility unveiling last Friday one of the major problems women face is the greater social stigma attached to women with the disease of addiction. They said the purpose of the program is to allow women to deal with this social stigma in a non-threatening environment, to provide therapeutic services that respond to the realities of women’s lives impacted by the disease of addiction; to present educational and skill building materials related to the specific needs of women; and to provide an opportunity for women to develop strong, supportive, and honest relationships with other women.
The staff members and board of directors of the Chemical Additions Recovery Effort (CARE) said Friday they feel the new setting in Alford will meet these needs and provide a healthy environment for those participating in the program.
The new residential facility is located at 2388 Park Avenue in Alford in what was once the town’s public school, but more recently was a bed-and-breakfast that drew tourists from all over.
The residential portion of the campus is located on the east side of the property, while a second structure (shown here) is located on the west side of the property. It has been designated as a meeting room and kitchen area. Also situated on the property are a swimming pool and patio area.
AWARE board members on hand for the opening were very appreciative of the support given by the community as a whole, but especially by Trustmark Bank, Longleaf Development, Chemical Addiction Recovery Effort, and Big Bend Community Based Care.
Below Vice-Chair Joe Atkison expressed the board’s appreciation for all of the assistance that had been given AWARE.
AWARE is a State Licensed, CARF Accredited, Level II program. The AWARE residential program provides a structured, live-in therapeutic environment with 24 hour-a-day, awake staff coverage. All treatment services are provided under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. The length of stay is based on presenting problems, progress in treatment, and ASAM PPC-2R criteria.
Following completion of the residential program, a referral is made to the CARE component where the client originated. Out-of-catchment clients are given referrals to return to the program where their referrals originated or to appropriate treatment providers in their home areas. If a client meets certain criteria, she may be admitted to the AWARE Halfway House Program. All clients are encouraged to continue 12-Step involvement.
Residential Admission Criteria includes the following:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Have an addiction problem
- Live in Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Jackson, Holmes or Washington counties
- Willing to follow AWARE or Halfway House guidelines
The new treatment facility was purchased by AWARE with all of its furnishings and will soon provide a home to around 30 CARE clients looking for a new beginning.
