Early on it was determined that there was a need for a treatment facility for women with substance abuse issues. They now have 7 facilities - homes - throughout Lincoln in various neighborhoods. They provide in-patient treatment in all facilities.
The homes are set up much like a traditional family setting. The residents take care of the household chores including cooking, cleaning and laundry. They help each other - teach each other - since they all need to live together.
St. Monica's also has a licensed day care facility. It grew out of a need of the residents - many women had children and need a place for them to stay as they are in treatment. The staff of the daycare pays attention to the children and note any special needs. Often children suffer when living with a mother with substance abuse issues.
Mary shared that the women they serve have almost all had some sort of trauma in their life. Many come to them with previously undiagnosed mental issues. And many have no source of income.
As a non-profit organization they struggle annually with their budget. They have one major fundraiser - the Amazing Chase - coming up August 25. They get much of their funding from grants and individual and corporate donors.
She shared her personal experience, growing up with an alcoholic father and what it did to her family. Her mother became a widow very young and struggled to raise her five children. Mary said when she considered becoming the Executive Director of St. Monica's she decided it was an opportunity to be part of the story to help and change families. She was not able to help her family, but now she can help others.