Volunteers of America to open addiction treatment center for pregnant women and mothers in Evansville

Evansville, Indiana will have a new addiction treatment option for pregnant women and mothers with children when Volunteers of America Indiana opens Fresh Start Recovery Center early next year.

Volunteers of America purchased the former Goodwill Family Center on West Buena Vista Road in July to house the facility. The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority financed the $460,000 purchase as part of its $776,000 loan that will also allow for renovation needs.

The 23-bed residential facility will provide addiction treatment for expectant women and mothers with up to two children under the age of five.

“Many treatment programs separate mothers from their children, which interrupts the bonding between them. By offering a home-like environment, Fresh Start Recovery Center provides the stable foundation for women to successfully address their addiction-related disorders while also caring for their children,” said John von Arx III, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Indiana. Evansville’s center expands the Fresh Start program that Volunteers of America Indiana began in Indianapolis in 2015, followed by Winchester House, in Winchester, in June of this year. A Columbus center will open in early 2019.

“We welcome Fresh Start Recovery Center to Evansville to focus on helping mothers in our community recover from opioid and other drug addictions, seek employment, and raise their children in stable homes,” said Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. “Having the ability to follow mothers going through the recovery process will significantly increase the likelihood of successful outcomes, resulting in stronger families.”

State Rep. Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville) advocated for the state funding to establish the program in Vanderburgh County. “Fresh Start will be incredibly important to rebuild women’s lives and give the next generation of children the best hope for a healthy start in life.”

Jacob Sipe, executive director of the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, said, “The State of Indiana is committed to working with Volunteers of America Indiana and the City of Evansville to provide supportive housing to mothers struggling with drug addiction. By helping support mothers in their recovery, these new centers will also help to reduce the number of babies born with addiction disorders.”

About Volunteers of America Indiana

Volunteers of America is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through thousands of human services programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps nearly 2 million people across the country – more than 3,300 in Indiana alone.

Established locally in 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including low-income seniors, veterans, and those recovering from addictions. Volunteers of America Indiana services individuals throughout the state of Indiana, providing counseling, rehabilitation, job placement, and residential services. www.voain.org


CONTACT:
Nicole Knowlton
Cell 614-315-8835
Office 614-372-3120
Nicole.knowlton@voago.org