CENTER TO HELP RECOVERING ADDICTS

Center To Help Women Addicts

A new transitional center opening this spring in East Jackson could make a
big difference in providing alcohol-addicted women the resources to make it
on their own.

The Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency off East Chester
Street is renovating a facility to include a two-floor, 1,300-square-foot
women's transitional center. JACOA officials and staff hope the center will
be a link from recovery to self-reliance.

Homeless addicted women make up one of the most marginalized and
impoverished groups in the nation, and substance abuse is one of the most
common problems affecting women, said Douglass Harr, executive director.

"Last year, we turned away about 70 women that would have benefitted from
our services," Harr said. "We've had to refer women from Jackson to other
agencies in Middle and East Tennessee for housing. By purchasing this
adjoining building, we will be able to help addicted, homeless women after
they finish our treatment program. This also will be a complement to
Montgomery Hall, our men's transitional center."

Five new case workers will be hired to monitor about seven to 10 women. The
women will live at the center after they complete a 28-day recovery period.
After-care includes a bed, transportation, meals and help finding permanent
housing.

The impact of drug addiction for women is overwhelming, said Constance
DeBerry of JACOA. Under the influence of drugs women lose their spouses,
their jobs, their children, and their lives, she said.

"We see all types of women and of all ages, but addiction doesn't care how
old you are," she said.

JACOA, a nonprofit agency, has been in Jackson since 1964. It receives
funds from donations and from local and state governments. The largest
contributor to the new center is Maytag of Jackson, Harr said. The
corporation donated refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and most of
the appliances that will be installed at the center.

The cost for one 28-day recovery period at JACOA is about $5,000, Harr
said. That does not include after-care. The agency operates on an annual
budget of about $2 million, but most of that has come out of the agency's
reserve funds so far this fiscal year, he said.