A milestone for a transitional housing program that was the first of its kind in our area. Douglas Park Place in Rock Island serves women recovering from substance abuse, many who've lost everything including their children. On its five year anniversary, the home continues to get women back on their feet.
It's a scene being played out across our area and could be in your neighborhood. When it comes to battling an addiction each person's story is unique.
"Drugs, crack cocaine," said Rozanne Robinson.
"I was drinking beer all day," said Jennifer Beechamp.
What these two women have in common is their substance abuse cost them big time. "Before I knew it my son was gone," said Beechamp.
It eventually led them to Douglas Park Place. In 2007 Robinson was one of the first clients to stay at the home. "Had to take care of myself before I could get my kids back. And coming to grips that I had a problem," she said.
The 8-unit recovery home welcomes women just coming out of substance abuse treatment and helps them transition back into society. What makes this program unique is it allows mothers to gradually re-unite with their children.
"They start off with supervised visits with the children and mothers bonding with them. Then to the overnights," said Ametra Carrol-Castaneda, the on-site coordinator.
Fifty women recovering from addiction have now lived under its roof for the last five years. 79 percent of them are considered success stories because they've moved on, stayed sober, found work and a house of their own, and have kept custody of their children for at least six months. That's what Jennifer Beechamp is working towards. She's lived at Douglas Park Place since June, stayed sober, and has made her apartment her own. Beechamp expects her 9-year-old son to be home in December.
"He says mommy how do I know it's going to be different this time. I said, well baby, because mommy is different now." She also says it would have been a lot harder to get there if not for the support she's received here. "You get your freedom and you get to work your life out."
That's been the goal all along from those who saw the need for something that picks up where treatment programs leave off. "I believe in continual programs that help people that need help and this program is doing that. It's not an experiment, it's a reality," said Alderman Terry Brooks.
Douglas Park Place works with services like the Robert Young and Riverside centers to get the women back on their feet. It's one of only four housing centers in Illinois that allow children to live with parents while in recovery.
