Offering women over the age of 26 a unique opportunity to build on their recovery in a community setting, this program is based on the principles of self-help, mutual aid, utilising peer and community support. It is about people with a common problem coming together in mutual support.
What is involved: the U.S. Women’s Program is non-prescriptive in regard to recovery plans and methods, however participation in recovery focused community self-help groups is required. Twelve 12 step programs are the main type of self-help groups and residents.
Residents to encouraged to attend at least four community based self-help groups per week and three structured program groups or activities per week.
There is no strict time limit on participation in the program. Staff will reflect and discuss with the residents when it appears an appropriate time for review. Residency in the House is dependent on being engaged in the program.
The U.S. Women’s Program House is self-organised and self-run. All residents are expected to participate equally in cleaning, cooking and other household chores. These duties are negotiated between residents on a regular basis.
The US Women’s Program is supported wholly by philanthropy and volunteers.
Eligibility
Any further questions or assessment enquiries can be forwarded to N. Thompson at SHARC on 03 9573 1740 or
- Call 0401 754 477
- nthompson@sharc.org.au
To be eligible for residency at the US Women’s Program House, an applicant needs to:
Be a Woman over 26 years of age, desiring change and recovery from drug and alcohol issues.
Be fully committed to continuing abstinence from alcohol and/ or other drugs.
Be currently working on recovery and have or be willing to develop a personal recovery plan.
Have a minimum of 30 consecutive day’s sober / clean time immediately before taking up residence.
Be prepared to participate in the life of the House and abide by the House Rules.
Be able to operate in a peer support network with minimal supervision from staff.
