NCJ Number
152198
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report describes the objectives and activities of Amethyst, Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves chemically dependent women and women with children.
Abstract
Amethyst is designed for women in central Ohio who are willing to participate in a 12-step program and who are currently unable to achieve sober independent living. The main focus of Amethyst is its transitional housing and intensive treatment services. The program also provides individual and group counseling, peer support, development of independent living skills, and linkage to appropriate community resources and continuing care. In addition to its services to chemically dependent women and women with children, Amethyst has a Federal contract to house homeless clients who suffer from other serious problems such as mental illness or HIV/AIDS. A program goal is not only to assist participating women in recovery from chronic substance abuse but also to help stabilize the single-parent family. The report also discusses: sensitivity to gender issues in providing services; the use of recovering staff as role models; the incorporation into the program of social, peer support and peer-oriented activities; the program's stated strengths and weaknesses and needs for improvement.