Raquel’s first drink at 15 years old laid the foundation for 20 years of substance abuse. By 16, she’d escalated to alcoholic behaviors, followed by use of marijuana and then harder drugs.

In a story of addiction that’s sadly all too common, Raquel’s life spiraled out of control. She lost jobs, endured multiple evictions and got arrested multiple times for disorderly conduct and DUIs. Even with a supportive employer who provided stability and meaningful employment, her substance abuse caused problems at work.

At 35, with two children and pregnant with a third, Raquel was ready for change. To chart a new course, Raquel entered the Pines Family Campus residential program in Valdosta. Here, she’s working on her recovery with her children by her side in this safe, healthy and supportive environment.

Raquel’s partner, the father of her third child, provides a pillar of support for the whole family. A father to all three, they lovingly call him “Dad.” A name he proudly carries, saying, “I am in every way that matters.” He and his mom help with the kids when Raquel is busy with her recovery.

At the Pines Family Campus, run by Volunteers of America Southeast, Raquel is not only changing her life, but also the trajectory of her children’s. She’s a testament to the miracle work done by recovery and a loving, united family.

Raquel’s struggles are not unique. Substance use disorder is a growing, national epidemic. Many women with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) go without treatment – sometimes resulting in overdose, profound economic and social loss and entry into the criminal justice system. Newborns suffer brain damage, minors enter the child welfare system, and mothers often lose custody of their children.

Volunteers of America’s (VOA) nationally recognized treatment program, Family Focused Recovery, for pregnant and parenting women addresses the substance abuse crisis with data-driven best practices that produce measurable results. It offers comprehensive care, including individual and family therapy and peer support, designed to help moms deliver healthy babies. With a focus on family unity, this model provides primary prevention for children — addressing and reducing childhood trauma and disrupting generational substance abuse disorders.

Engaging the whole family, VOA’s program utilizes two phases that can span three years. The first is residential treatment, which includes up to 40 hours a week of therapies and a focus on bonding between parents and their children. The second prepares them for transition into the community, with education and career opportunities that equip them to provide for their families in the long term. Studies show this approach works. These programs mitigate against family separation, provide prolonged care and support for mothers and infants, reduce the risk of relapse, and lead to fewer NICU births. Scaling this program model to new geographies will increase access to those in need.

Healthy mothers are much more likely to deliver healthy babies. Healthy babies avoid extremely expensive services like neonatal intensive care (NICU). To save these dollars – and get better health outcomes overall – requires upfront investment.

We are grateful for support from our signature national partner, Humana, and the Humana Foundation, which have committed more than $34 million to helping VOA expand services across the country, including a $750K gift to the Valdosta location.

This week, we’re celebrating the changed lives at the Pines Family Campus with an event featuring yoga, massages and lunch as part of our efforts to raise awareness of this invaluable resource in our community. These programs mitigate against family separation, provide prolonged care and support for mothers and infants, reduce the risk of relapse, and lead to fewer NICU births. Scaling this program model to new geographies will increase access to those in need.

And we want families in need to know about us. Raquel’s story of addiction is far too common. We want her path to recovery, the support to overcome substance abuse disorder, to become the norm. 

Rob Rogers is president and CEO of Volunteers of America (VOA) Southeast.