ONE EYE ON RECOVERY, THE OTHER ON CHILDREN

When Jennifer Emery was pulled over for driving under the influence, she
was seven-months pregnant and addicted to methamphetamines.

Still, she didn't think she needed a residential treatment program, she
remembers, shaking her head with disbelief.

Thankfully, the court and the counselors thought better.

Referred for treatment by the judicial system, Emery went to live at Parisi
House on the Hill. Because it's the only addiction center in Santa Clara
County where mothers receiving treatment can stay united with their
children, Emery was able to be a mom to her new daughter while getting help
for herself.

Now, two years after her arrest, Emery is proud to have been clean and
sober for 14 months. She credits the unique substance-abuse help she got.

"House on the Hill gave me my life back," said Emery, 37. As an expanded
House on the Hill prepares to open, Wish Book donations could help get
things ready.

"We see miracles every day," said Debbie Miranda, program director for
Parisi House. "I believe until this program came into existence, there were
a lot of addicted mothers out there who simply chose to stay with their
children, regardless of the environment -- no matter how destructive it
was. With House on the Hill, they don't have to do that."

There is always a waiting list to get into House on the Hill, which offers
counseling for drug and alcohol addiction and training on how to be a
better parent. Mothers spend their time in groups and classes, while their
children, all under age 5, attend day care at the same location.

Emery, who grew up in Los Gatos, said she had been using drugs off and on
since she was 18. "House on the Hill has done a lot for me, from helping me
build a foundation for recovery to introducing me to AA," Alcoholics
Anonymous, she said. "I didn't know anything about how to do it on my own."

Even though she has completed the inpatient and outpatient programs, Emery
continues to have the support of the Parisi staff. She hopes to go back to
school and become a counselor to help others addicted to drugs or alcohol.

The Nicki and Joe Parisi House, opened in 1994 and named after its primary
donors, serves 16 women and their children in its South San Jose quarters.
Early next year -- funded by major gifts from the Parisis, the Sobrato
Foundation and the Valley Medical Center Foundation -- a new facility for
up to 60 mothers and 65 children under 5 will open its doors with expanded
services.

But there's lots to do before the new center welcomes its first residents.
There are bookshelves to stock ($15 a book). The play areas need toys ($15
each) and games ($20 each). And the staff would love to have the means to
frame some of the inspirational artwork created by its residents (each
donation of $25 would go toward a framing fund).

For Emery, gift cards ($25 each) would allow her to purchase a toddler bed
and bedding for her daughter and a few educational toys.

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED

Questions about Wish Book stories? Call coordinator Holly Hayes at (408)
920-5374.