SISTERHOUSE: A New Direction

By Glenance Green

    After 28 years of dedication to the Austin community, SISTERHOUSE still strives to provide quality direct services to women in recovery. SISTERHOUSE prides itself on the Alcoholics Anonymous’ foundational approach to recovery and serves its residents with care while exercising practices that aid women in the process of establishing wholesome drug-free lifestyles.

The program begins with the three months of 12-hour intensive outpatient therapy and study of the first five steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, five to seven AA meetings per week, Adult Education classes, and an introduction to communitarian lifestyle.

The women set individual goals that help them to focus on recovery and gain a sense of community. The women of SISTERHOUSE are extensively trained and given best practices on how to dress for success, create/update resume(s), computer/typing skills and job training/search. The residents continue to study the Twelve Steps and attend four to six AA meetings per week. Residents also practice time and money management over the course of these 3 months.

Throughout the course of the program, the women develop a network of supportive relationships for their lifelong process of recovery as this aspect of the program focuses on job search, employment opportunities, finance management, housing search and the reunification of families. The elements of support and challenge continue as we assist the women in creating short and long-term goals for their future.

SISTERHOUSE espouses a holistic approach to recovery and works with a variety of different human services agencies, medical service providers and other institutions to facilitate women’s access to a personalized service plan, intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment and after care services, educational services (i.e. literacy class & GED preparation), medical, dental & mental health care and much more.

SISTERHOUSE believes in the value of inclusiveness and serves women from all walks of life regardless of their race, sexual orientation, religion or creed.

For information on SISTERHOUSE services for women, to contribute or volunteer, call 773/626-0525.