Wine Country Times

Women's Recovery Services (WRS) office administrator Alma Aguilera initially became involved with the organization when she took her nieces and nephews for visits with her sister. Aguilera saw how helpful the organization was for women, so she applied for a position and has been there for six years.

WRS, located in Santa Rosa, California, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 that helps families recover from a mother’s addiction. The organization’s goal is to break the cycle of addiction for women, including by providing a safe, healthy residence that allows neglected children to remain with their mothers while they learn the life skills necessary to become responsible community members.

"I joined this field to help and give back to moms who are struggling with addiction," she said. "It gives me a sense of purpose knowing that I have helped in some way. It feels good to see clients recover and live a healthier life."

Aguilera first started working with WRS as an overnight staff member before transitioning to lead case aid and working as an administrator. She works closely with vendors, ordering supplies, food, medication and signing clients up to receive medical benefits, food stamps and other aid.

WRS offers a 120-day residential program for pregnant and parenting women as well as their kids, a children’s program and an eight-month AfterCare program. AfterCare is a weekly program provided upon successful completion of the Residential Program. WRS also offers up to two years for families to live in a transition home while getting back on their feet.

To ensure necessary transportation for the many programs, appointments and activities on and off site, Aguilera has created a “Master Calendar,” which has become a vital resource at WRS. “Clients and their children come in neglected and without regular medical or dental care,” she said. My job is to coordinate appointments and transportation with respect to the daily program schedule.”

"We try to establish regular care and ensure clients and their children’s well-being. They need primary medical/dental care, prenatal care, post-care, mental health care, therapy, child visits, court dates, immunizations and counseling for themselves and their children," Aguilera said. "This may also include transportation to school, school events and meetings, extracurricular activities or outings outside 12-step or self-help meetings. We also transport them to other agencies for additional needed services."

Women caring for infants and young children who do not have childcare are not turned away from addiction treatment at WRS. While mothers attend recovery groups and classes, their children are cared for in the on-site children's program or attend nearby community schools.

WRS currently provides shelter for 52 women and children and seeks public donations to provide shelter, food and counseling for residents. Donations help provide a safety net for women and children, including a safe place to eat and sleep, diapers and food for babies, protection from their abusers and counseling. To donate, visit womens-recovery-services-a-unique-place.networkforgood.com/projects/23699-support-women-s-recovery-services. WRS also hosts fundraisers through its Facebook page.

"I like helping the clients get needed services, referrals to housing or benefits that can make a difference to this family that is already struggling. I know they can be successful, and I am happy to be part of that," she said.