WOMEN'S HOME OFFERS WAY TO KICK SUBSTANCE ABUSE

JACKSON - A new women's transitional center opening Friday in East Jackson
could make a big difference for alcohol- and drug-addicted women trying to
turn their lives around and make it on their own.

The Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency off East Chester
Street will open a two-floor, 1,300-square-foot Women's Transitional Home
to serve as a link from recovery to independence and self-reliance. The
center is just east of JACOA's main building and will complement Montgomery
Hall, the agency's men's transitional center.

Machelle Campbell, a JACOA administrator, said she's seen the transition
that takes place once women complete the agency's program.

"When they come in they're disheveled and tired," Campbell said. "When they
go out, they've learned coping skills and have entered 12-step programs.
You can see a big change in their attitude and how they look physically.
They've got that spark back in their eyes."

Five new case workers will be hired within the next few weeks to monitor
about six to 12 women, said Douglass Harr, executive director. The women
will live at the center after they complete a 28-day recovery period under
the guidance of counselors. Aftercare includes a bed, transportation
assistance, three balanced meals a day and assistance finding permanent
housing.

The nonprofit agency has been in Jackson since 1964. They are funded by a
number of sources, including the city and county, United Way and federal
and state grants. The largest contributor to the new center is Maytag of
Jackson, which donated refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and most of
the appliances.

An on-again, off-again pledge for financial contributions to JACOA by the
county may hinge on the state budget. Right now, the county is planning on
contributing about $32,000 next year. The cost for one 28-day recovery
period at JACOA is about $5,000, Harr said. That does not include aftercare.

"I feel confident that we'll get the funding, but I realize anything could
happen with the state budget," Harr said. "But I'm really, really happy
that the county is doing what they can to help."

[SIDEBAR]

If you go

- -- The public is invited to attend the Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism's
open house to celebrate the opening of the Women's Transitional Center.

- -- The celebration is noon to 4 p.m. Friday, 916 E. Chester St. in Jackson.

- -- Women interested in the program can call JACOA at (731) 423-3653.