Crossroads for Women

Rehab Reviews

9 years ago

Crossroads for Women Review

Crossroads for Women in Albuquerque, New Mexico was founded in 1997 by Elizabeth Simpson, an attorney who felt that homeless and incarcerated women required compassion rather than contempt. The organization provides housing for women in recovery from co-occurring disorders and chemical dependency. Their programs include The Crossroads that provides sober living apartments for women and there children and Maya’s Place, which offers transitional housing for women recently released from jail in a group setting. Residents are provided with additional services including case management, outpatient substance abuse treatment and life skills education.

Accommodations and Amenities

Maya’s Place accommodates 12 women in a large house with a yard that has an herb and vegetable garden. The Crossroads provides small, modest apartments for 30 women and their children. Furniture, clothing and cleaning supplies are usually donated from the community and provided at no cost for clients. In addition, Crossroads for Women operates a food pantry for residents. Non-perishable foods provided include canned goods, pasta, baby food, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese. All residents are responsible for preparing their own meals and feeding their kids. The residents of Maya’s Place often cook together and eat family-style.

Rules and Regulations

There are strict criteria for admittance into the Crossroads program. In order to be eligible for housing, applicants must be homeless by the definition of HUD or incarcerated, as well as suffer from chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders. A lengthy application must be completed. Typically, women are asked how long they have lived in Albuquerque, if they have children and if they will be accompanying them into the program, what kind of belongings (if any) do they own, and if they are currently in jail or having pending legal issues. There are queries regarding medical and mental health history, previous housing, substance abuse, education, employment and prostitution (if applicable).

Program services include case management, individual and group therapy, parenting assistance, vocational support and trauma support. Residents are required to attend at least two group therapy sessions per week. Group topics include self-esteem, trauma, life skills and relapse prevention. Each resident has a case manager and that relationship is intensive. It often includes case managers accompanying clients to for extra support, the discussion of relapse triggers, accompanying clients to medical appointments, assisting clients with getting medical care and checking up on program graduates who have fallen off the radar.

Random drug and alcohol screening is conducted as a measure of compliance and results are reported to the departments of probation or parole, if applicable. Crossroads for Women does not throw out clients testing positive for drugs or alcohol. The women work through their relapses with the support of their case managers. They are allowed a second chance. The cost for Crossroads for Women is based on a sliding scale, determined by their income.

Extras

Life skills classes are provided. Topics include cooking, parenting, budgeting money, sewing and self-care.

In Summary

Crossroads for Women is a program that can help a woman rebuild her life and provide a better future for herself and her kids. This is not a place for those who need pampering, but it is a very popular program. There is usually a long waiting list that averages between nine months and a year. Those who are incarcerated are encouraged to sign up, so a spot will be available upon their release.