COLUMBUS, IN (October 13, 2021)
After opening the Fresh Start Recovery Center, an addition recovery center for pregnant women and new mothers, a little more than a year ago in Columbus, IN, Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana announced that they have served more than 100 women and their children from in and around Bartholomew County.
“We’re thrilled about the impact on families we’ve had in the community and that Fresh Start Recovery Center’s innovative model of keeping mothers with their children throughout their recovery is continuing to prove successful. Fresh Start is one of only a few programs in the country that combines intensive addictions treatment services and comprehensive, 24/7 parenting skills training.”
– John R. von Arx III, President and CEO, Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana
The family-focused residential facility provides addiction treatment for pregnant women and mothers with up to two children under the age of five. With support from the community, the center opened its doors to mothers during the first week of October in 2020 during the height of the pandemic.
People in treatment for substance use disorders face unique challenges during the pandemic. Physical distancing, quarantine, and other public health measures have disrupted access to treatment and other support services for many people. Although Fresh Start Recovery Center’s capacity is 25 beds, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the center was limited to 15 beds for much of the time it’s been open.
Volunteers of America first introduced the Fresh Start program in Indianapolis in 2015. There are now a total of four addiction treatment centers for women in the state of Indiana operated by Volunteers of America, including the one in Columbus. Over the last 12 months, more than 540 women were served across Indiana.
“Keeping mothers with their children during recovery, and in a home-like environment strengthens the bond between them. Witnessing women and mothers support one another and find strength at a time when they need it most provides the hope they need for their future.”
– Hillary England, Center Director
About the Fresh Start Recovery Center
Fresh Start Recovery Center at Columbus House is located at 703 Washington Street and was purchased by Volunteers of America in late 2018 with financing support from Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority. The Fresh Start Recovery Center helps pregnant women and mothers struggling with opioid and other drug addictions to recover by allowing mothers and children to remain together during treatment. The residential treatment provides 24/7 support to clients. For more about the program, visit www.voaohin.org/fresh-start
About Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana
Volunteers of America is one of the nation’s largest, established comprehensive human services with 16,000 mission driven professionals, dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded in 1896, the faith-based nonprofit has programs in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and serves more than 1.5 million people a year.
At Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, we are dedicated to helping people achieve well-being by offering hope, restoring dignity, and transforming lives, to ensure communities thrive. For 125 years, we have been uplifting individuals, families, and communities including veterans, homeless individuals and families, men and women returning home after incarceration, and those recovering and healing from addiction. Our work touches the mind, body, heart – and ultimately the spirit – of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. To learn more about our work, visit www.voaohin.org.