The hand dealt to us in life isn’t always the one we want to play. Whether that’s growing up with frequent exposure to substances or finding oneself in abusive situations, it can be difficult to find a way out.
For women in the Region experiencing these issues, they should know they have a place to turn. Porter-Starke Services collaborates with the The Caring Place to offer the Women’s Recovery Home, a supportive environment that offers programming to help women in recovery.
“The Caring Place partners with Porter-Starke Services to provide housing and basic needs as well as case management, support groups, and other resources, opportunities, and activities for women’s recovery clients within our 24-hour domestic violence emergency crisis shelter,” said Denise Koebcke, president and CEO of The Caring Place, Inc.
“In addition to these supportive services women residing there begin with a comprehensive mental health and addictions assessment at Porter-Starke Services. This assessment, conducted by a licensed mental health professional, informs tailored treatment recommendations for each individual,” added Teresa Young, LMFT, LAC; director of Outpatient Mental Health and Addiction Services for Porter-Starke Services. “This may include Intensive Outpatient Treatment for addictions, Relapse Prevention group for ongoing maintenance of recovery skills, individual and family therapy, case management, Medication Assisted Treatment, peer recovery support, and/or psychiatric medication management.”
Women’s Recovery Home takes a holistic approach when it comes to treatment. This includes helping women over the age of eighteen overcome both internal and external obstacles that may be exacerbating their substance use.
“Women’s Recovery Home utilizes a comprehensive approach in fostering personal responsibility, daily structure, and purposeful decision making,” said Amber Liddick, LMHC; assessor and Women’s Recovery Home Liaison for Porter-Starke Services.
The Women’s Recovery Home uses an approach based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) best practices for treating people experiencing substance use disorder.
“This philosophy focuses on eight specific research-based protective factors for all humans: healthy activities, mentoring, physical health, mental health, family support, positive friends, spirituality, and generosity,” said Koebcke. “These are skills and protective strategies that we promote in-shelter and provide activities around.”
While this approach often builds rapport between patient and caregiver, Women’s Recovery Home also encourages developing support within families when it is safe and productive to do so.
“Porter-Starke Services recognizes that addiction is a primary, progressive and chronic disease. This disease is identifiable, diagnosable and treatable in adolescence and adulthood,” said Young. “Our treatment philosophy recognizes the importance of family involvement in their loved one’s treatment and recovery.”
Since its inception, Women’s Recovery Home has served as a needed resource and residence for many in our community.
“The home has supported hundreds of women in their journey to recovery and becoming productive members of society through building independent living skills,” said Liddick.
“Women in this program are highly valuable members of our community, contributing their skills and talents in the workforce, strengthening family relationships, and inspiring others in the recovery community,” Koebcke added.
Women’s Recovery Home is an incredibly important resource in Northwest Indiana for those experiencing substance use disorder or who know someone else who is. It’s important to remember that treatment is possible, even when things get difficult. Helping people overcome substance misuse not only benefits the individual and those around them, it benefits the community as a whole.
“We are all impacted by the disease of addiction, whether personally or via the struggle of a family member, friend, or co-worker. Recovery is possible, but it takes a community willing to challenge the harmful stigmas associated with addiction and shift to a belief-system of support, love, and connection,” said Young. “When individuals heal and thrive, communities heal and thrive.”
To learn more about Women’s Recovery Home, contact Porter-Starke Services at 219-531-3500 to speak with an admissions and emergency service specialist.
The Caring Place is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It operates a 24-hour crisis hotline that can be reached at 219-464-2128. To learn more, visit www.thecaringplacenwi.org.
Porter-Starke Services is a not-for-profit community health center with offices throughout Northwest Indiana. To learn more about its services and/or to schedule an appointment, please call 219-531-3500 or visit porterstarke.org.
