WRS: About WRS

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Women’s Recovery Services (WRS) was founded in 1975 with the mission of providing residential addiction treatment exclusively for women, which was an innovative approach for that time period. Previously it was felt that gender specific treatment was not needed and that both sexes had the same issues. Over time it became apparent that women’s programs could provide a safe setting where problems, unique to them, could be addressed. We are licensed by the State of California to provide residential treatment to 20 women and 12 children at a time. We are in our 32nd year of continuous service.

In the late 1980’s the perinatal (women with children) component was added which made treatment accessible for women who were custodial parents, usually single, and therefore unable to attend traditional residential programs. We continue to be the only residential perinatal program in Sonoma County as well as a very large geographic area north of Santa Rosa. Women were frequently unable to enter residential treatment as fragmented family relationships, due to addictive lifestyles, left them without anyone to care for their children while they participated. Many were fleeing abusive situations for themselves as well as their children.

In 1999 we became Sonoma County’s first non-smoking addiction treatment program, in a large part to protect the children from second hand tobacco exposure as well as to give the children the opportunity to see smoke-free mothers to role model after. We may be the first tobacco-free addiction program in the State of California. In 1997 we purchased our first transitional house for mothers, with children to live for periods of up to two years. In 2003 we purchased this six building facility which includes, but is not limited to an apartment building which becomes home to them for the three months in treatment, a separate staffed Children’s Program and a small medical clinic. In addition to an Administration Building there are buildings for Program Services and laundry and food storage.

Women attend an additional nine (9) months of staff-facilitated AfterCare to support what was learned in the first ninety (90) days of residential treatment. In addition this is a period where relationships with sober peers that began in treatment can deepen. Clients who stay with Women’s Recovery Services for this year of treatment have a 50% chance of staying free from drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and keeping their children in safe places to prevent any further child abuse. Annual follow-up studies at this program, demonstrate that of the 90 women and 40 children who live in this treatment program, 40 women and as many as 25 children, each year, will thereafter live free from addiction and abuse, and if/when threatened, will know how to request intervention and protection.

Up to four (4) women and their children may transition into the transitional house WRS owns and case manages. We provide continued Parenting Education to the women who live there. These four (4) family units may live in the safety of this house for up to two (2) years. This gives them an opportunity to return to educational pursuits interrupted by their addiction. They will be able to be more selective when they look for employment, starting with part time work and moving into full time employment.

Did You Know…

*WRS provides almost 10,000 24-hour treatment days per year

*WRS allowed 8 clean & sober babies to be born last year

*WRS provides 28,800 nutritious gourmet meals every year

*WRS provides 10,950 baths/showers every year

*WRS provides 30,000 washer/dryer loads of clothes every year

*WRS provides 15,000 diapers every year

*WRS provides bicycle helmets for children in treatment

*WRS became the first tobacco-free licensed facility in 1999

*WRS owns and operates a transitional home and cabin for graduates

*WRS provides on-site educational classes and child care 6 hours per day

*WRS appreciates YOU and YOUR support. $7 today will save $1 in treatment saves $7 in taxpayer costs”

“WHEN SHE HAS REACHED HER END…WE ARE THE BEGINNING”

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things

I can not change,

the courage to change

the things I can,

and the wisdom to know

the difference

Poems:

There must have been a reason

A reason for us all to be here
Cause I feel so overwhelmed with emotion
And now I’m walking through my fears

I’ve learned to reach out to women
And overcome my fear of being alone
By talking to my sisters here
Or by talking on the phone

Most of my life, as a child and adult
I felt so all alone
I felt like no one wanted me
I never felt at home

I would cry or hide or run away
Because I couldn’t face the pain
Drugs became the cure for it
And soon I could not refrain

Through homelessness and many men
This rocky road I came
Spiraling ever down in madness
Never ending guilt and shame

But now it seems my road of life
Has purpose and meaning too
The rocks have smoothed to kinder ways
And the path seems to fit my shoe

I’ll never forget where I came from
A dysfunctional family or the streets of S.F.
But most importantly, where I found my soul,
My Higher Power and new family, here at W. R. S.

C.O.
04/19/04

The Rose

Some say love, it is a river that drowns
the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor that leaves
your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger an
endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower and you it’s only
seed.
It’s the heart, afraid of breaking, that
never learns to dance.
It’s the dream afraid of waking, that
ever takes a chance.
It’s the one who won’t be taken, who
cannot seem to give.
And the soul afraid of dyin’, that never
learns to live.
When the night has been too lonely,
and the road has been too long.
And you think that love is only for the
lucky and the strong,
Just remember in the winter far
beneath the bitter snows,
Lies the seed, that with the sun’s love, in
the spring becomes The Rose.

Success Stories:

3/22/07

To you all at WRS......,

                                     Especially Tina, I remember my tears in your office, that one day I may never have my children again, and today they are all three with me and my case is almost closed. I work part time and go to college part time, to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
I won scholarship by writing about my hardship with addiction had my picture put in the news paper. Now working on my 4th term in school with A's and B's. Please tell others my story that may have doubt and the thought of nothing to live for. A little over a year later my nightmares of never seeing my children again and being abused by my husband are gone. I'm left with flash backs of WRS a place I couldn't wait to get out of but talk about all the time to others. Yes I'm happy!!!!!!!!! And yes it is possible.... I 'am now respected not because I demand it but because I earned it and you Tina know my struggles with that. I wish to have you at my graduation I will keep you updated. And perhaps when I come to visit there you will let me tell my story....
You are all in my hearts.............

Jessica

To Whom It May Concern:

Wow! I never thought I’d be writing this letter. Mrs. Cheryle Stanley has asked me several times to write about my experience with Women’s Recovery Services. Honestly, I have always questioned my ability to stay sober. Now having close to 3 years free from alcohol and drugs I will take the liberty to share my experience, strength, and hope with who ever Mrs. Stanley would like to share it with.

In the year 2000, I lost custody of my three children and became homeless. I did not care about myself, or my family, nor did I care to quit drinking. In November 2001, after calling WRS countless times, I got on a Greyhound bus with my child Dustin-9. I was desperate to stay sober. After being asked to leave a program I had been in for a year I was fortunate to be accepted into WRS. Upon arriving in a taxi I was welcomed by two women I will never forget. Abagayle and Kaaren took us in and introduced us to the facility. We were thankful to have a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs.

During my stay at WRS I learned that only one in seven women will stay sober. I was bound and determined to be that one. I had no self-esteem and no respect for myself or anyone else through my stubborn streak and the great staff at WRS I learned the tools to stay sober which I still utilize today. I was fortunate enough to stay in the inpatient part of the program for four months. Then, I was asked to stay in Mission House, an extension of the program. I never in my life have experienced such an experience. I stayed in the program for 19 months.

During my time with WRS, I had support from other women and case managers that encouraged me to take responsibility for my actions and accept my life for what it is. I learned to set goals and achieve those goals. I learned how to love and take care of myself. I committed to Family Connections for one year. I was able to register for college and maintained a 3.5 G.P.A my first year. I worked at Toys R Us and Santa Rosa Junior College. I held several community service commitments including volunteering for the Orenda Center. I completed the year-long part of WRS and to The Family Connection. Towards the end of my stay in Santa Rosa, I was asked to speak on behalf of Family Connections at a public hearing, and for the United Way, a great honor. I began to get to know my other children who lived in Humboldt County with their Dad, and maintained regular visits with them. Finally, I am a recipient of the Charles DeMeo Scholarship, which gave me $10,000 to fulfill my educational goals. All the while, learning everyday how to stay sober, and responsible. To this day I have friends and support through Women’s Recovery Services.

Today, I live in a three-bedroom house with a yard and fruit trees. I still have custody of one of my children and share legal custody of my other two who have regular visits to my home. Dustin is 13 and attends the same school as his siblings. Last year he played basketball. He has also benefited from our experience at WRS. I have held the same employment for one year starting as a housekeeper working my way to the front desk receptionist. I continue my education, and continue to set goals for myself. I use my tools to stay sober every day and not a day goes by I don’t think of my experience at WRS. I stay sober for myself. I have respect for others and myself. Every day is a learning experience. I thank God for the experience I had with Women’s Recovery Services. I wish every woman had the opportunity I had. There are not enough places like WRS and there are certainly not enough women like Cheryle Stanley and the staff at Women’s Recovery Services. Thank you, I do not believe if it weren’t for you I would not be the woman and mother I am today.

Michelle
2 years, 11 months, 3 days
Clean and sober

MY STORY

Unfortunately, some people are not able to overcome the deficits of their past, while others are. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be among the latter. I was suffering from the effects of long-term substance abuse and other self-destructive behaviors. Consumed by hopelessness and shame, I longed to rise above the personal adversities associated with chemical dependence and domestic violence victimization. Unknowingly, that dismal desperation would be the catalyst for my journey towards renewed self-respect, self-improvement, and personal development, and this journey began at Women’s Recovery Services in April 1996. As the result of the tireless and steadfast efforts of the case managers and other staff members at Women’s Recovery Services, I was able to overcome many obstacles. While in residential treatment, I learned important life skills and coping strategies that would allow me to lead a drug-free life and achieve what had previously only been dreamt about.

After residential treatment, Women’s Recovery Services also provided me additional guidance and support through their aftercare program, which was instrumental to my transition into self-sufficiency and independence. Since completing the year long program, I have gone on to excel in many areas, including the world of academia. Since 1996, I have earned two Bachelor Degrees and graduate Cum Laude. Currently, I am enrolled in the Sonoma State University Community Counseling/Marriage and Family Therapist master’s degree program. It cannot be disputed that Women’s Recovery Services affects the lives of women and children on many levels, and I am proud to say I am the product of their encouragement, dedication and professionalism.

12/04/03

My life today is wonderful in many ways due to what I learned and gained at WRS
When I came to WRS I was full of thinking I knew what it was going to be like and what it took to stay clean since I had been through two other programs, but I had it all wrong, I knew nothing.
Some of the biggest things I learned was to always find my part in any situation, (honesty) to be content in my own skin, to be a lady and mother. These are just a few things I learned from all the classes and After Care.
Today I celebrate 1 ½ years clean and sober and it’s the longest I have ever stayed clean. So today, thanks to WRS, my higher power and my sponsor, I have a life to wake up to and even if my day seems gloomy I have a million things to be grateful for thanks to WRS and everything there.

1/3/06

Dear Cheryle..
I wanted to thank you for this program and all the angels here who tirelessly work to give us back our lives.
When I arrived at WRS I had a small taste of recovery and wanted more. I was an empty shell of a woman. I was full of denial and regrets.
What I received was beyond my wildest dreams. Hope replaced despair, faith replaced pain and gratitude replaced my selfish ways.
Slowly my denial and defenses were broken down and I began to follow suggestions and open up. The more I opened up and surrendered, the more I grew. The more I grew, the more I wanted to help others to do the same.
My life began to have purpose and meaning. The courageous, supportive women here role modeled for the kind of person I wanted to be. I will never forget the women holding me and believing in me and going to bat for me when I had lost all hope.
Today, I move on to a new phase of my recovery. I am honored to have such amazing choices and opportunities.
People have faith in me and that is everything. I feel stronger and more committed to this path than ever before. I have been given the gift of recovery and grace and I know it comes with a huge responsibility to work harder than ever to keep it.
It is my goal to inspire others to do the same. I am no longer alone. I am ready to keep becoming the confident, recovering woman and mother who lives with integrity and purpose. I finally believe I’m worth all of this because of WRS and God.

Sincerely,
L.M.

July 1, 2004

Dear Cheryle Stanley:

I want to thank you for all the efforts you and your organization have put into giving me back my daughter, Jane D. Somehow we got onto different tracks when she was a young lady and I have never really had her as a friend or a daughter all these years, until now. What a wonderful gift you and Jane have given me and her stepmother, Susan.
I could tell several months ago that she was going to make it. She began to relate to us differently and she moved steadily forward with just a few bumps.
Now, she is a joy and pleasure to be around or to relate to over the phone. We are forever indebted to you and cannot thank you enough!
My wife, Susan, is a psychologist and we marvel at what strong and solid training you have given Jane. We support you and Jane in all of your successful efforts and you should be proud of how well you do. We know how difficult it is sometimes to guide people to their own best interests. We know that Jane will be discovering many beautiful things about herself, her skills, and strengths during the rest of her life and she can always be proud of herself how she recovered and be thankful to you for your excellent guidance.
Thank you, thank you, for all of your kindness and professional success.

With admiration,
Dick and Susan

10/16/03

To Mr. Gino Giannavola, Cheryle Stanley, BL
I have just completed treatment at Women’s Recovery Services and want to tell you of my experience there and before that.
It started last summer and being charged with domestic violence. At that time I met BL. She gave me a safe place to face my drug and alcohol addictions, to face my fears and to talk and cry. I have never been so blessed to have such a knowledgeable and compassionate woman in my life. It took a long time (and eventually the courts) but she kept on me about going to WRS.
I came to WRS somewhat willing but not believing I could do it. There I was given so many gifts. I was taught forgiveness which opened so many doors. The women there care passionately about every woman and child who walks through those doors. I was taught my value, my responsibilities. There I was given the gifts of dignity and respect. I was able to explore my fears and behaviors with no judgment. They have led me to the path of hope and possibilities. It gives me goosebumps to see other women there to slowly become honest, open and willing.
My gratitude to these women and the WRS program is immeasurable. Thank you for making them available to me.

Sincerely,

A.C.

MEMORIES, EXPERIENCES SHARED WITH WRS WITH INVITATION RSVPs

“After eight treatment programs and a drug habit that was 30+ years long, Cheryle, Chris M and WRS saved my life.”

“The wonderful feeling, when I come to that main office or for the Mission Blvd. house, of being welcomed.”

“Your AfterCare sessions on Friday evenings have been very beneficial to my clients.”

“You have an excellent Executive Director – keep up the good work!”

“WRS has become a strength in the community built out of tatters before Cheryle began.”

“My memories go back to the late 70’s when WRS was known as The Unique Place located on Tupper Street. Good memories; Sandy Murphy, Virginia Hartz, Meige Hopkins and many more!”

“After six years working at WRS I see many success stories out in the community living one day at a time.”

“Being able to escort approximately 12 of your clients to a movie some years ago…am ready to do it again!”

“The second week I volunteered at Children’s Program, one of the young boys said with great surprise, ‘You came back!’ To share activities and be a dependable figure in these children’s lives was important to me.”

“Empire College and Winzler & Kelly helped with painting and general house cleaning in 2004. I also installed the little girl fountain.”

“We enjoyed working at your facility last year. The joy and appreciation meant so much to us – we worked hard but it’s a wonderful feeling to have folks care about what we do. Yours is such a worthy program we particularly welcomed the desire of one of your clients to become a painter under the training of our House Captain. We were so glad to be able to touch your lives as you did for us.”