As the largest transitional housing and recovery program for women in Marion Country, Dove Recovery House for Women is pleased to be a recipient of a $60,000 grant from the Arthur Dean Family Foundation. This grant will specifically be used for promoting resilience for children that are impacted by substance use disorder. In addition to our current services that range from providing safe and free housing to family reunification services for the women of Dove House, we are piloting a program that will help support their children too.
Evidence shows that parental substance use is a traumatic experience for children that can have devastating impacts. Children who experience trauma and stress from a parent’s substance use disorder often blame themselves or feel responsible (American Academy of Pediatrics). These heavy feelings are internalized and impact the child’s confidence, self-esteem and ability to trust. In addition, the child’s development is more likely to be disrupted which can cause them to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms.
This pilot program will provide 15 to 20 children of the women served through the Outreach Center and
residential treatment program with individual, group and family counseling sessions. The goal of these sessions is to help children heal from the trauma they have experienced, strengthen the bond with their parent and prepare for reunification once their parent has completed treatment.
The therapy will allow children to identify and express their feelings with a safe and trusted adult. With the mental health therapist, the children will have the opportunity to develop an age-appropriate understanding of substance use and be able to access treatment for any developmental delays or behavioral health issues. They will also develop resiliency skills that will help them heal and develop a healthy relationship with their parent.
Dove House is thrilled to now have the ability to further expand our support to two generations. After this pilot program ends, we hope to witness the effectiveness and be able to offer this therapy to other Dove House women with children. This grant will not just give us the opportunity to impact the women of Dove House and their families, but also the greater community. The children who participate in this program should develop an improved relationship with their parent and experience fewer behavioral issues. We hope that this program will set Dove House families up for more success inside and outside the home once they complete their treatment.
