Redwood Family Center Celebrates 20 Years of Providing Hope Through Recovery for Thousands of Stanislaus County Women and their Children

Since 2003, the Redwood Family Center, managed by the nonprofit Valley Recovery Resources (VRR), has remained Stanislaus County's only provider of both substance abuse detoxification and treatment services and supported clean and sober housing to the community's most vulnerable— women and women with children.

Supporting women with children is significant because this segment rarely has access to substance abuse and longterm recovery programs that allow mothers to remain with their children while receiving treatment. According to VRR Executive Director Steve Berkowitz, some of the reasons for the disparity include the following:

• Women with alcohol and other drug problems often experience violence, are unemployed, and homeless, which creates roadblocks to receiving services

• Responsibilities toward taking care of children make it difficult to access needed services

• Alcohol and other drug problems are likely to have cooccurring mental health problems

• Issues and stigma exist surrounding women and substance abuse and dependence

Additionally, according to a 2013 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report, another leading factor for women resisting treatment is the fear of leaving or having their children taken away. The Redwood Family Center alleviates this concern since— depending on the case—mothers can live with their children during and after treatment or until they become financially independent.

RFC "is a wonderful opportunity for a woman to come into a loving environment," said Ron Nydam, VRR board president. "Where they can live for a year, 18 months, and get their life back while staying or reuniting with their children."

Nydam further explained RFC's substance-abuse treatment and clean and sober living contracts with the county are limited to specific services and qualifying clients. Consequently, additional fundraising is necessary to "scholarship" those who don't qualify for government funding but still desire recovery and life transformation. "We also aim to help women before they hit rock bottom with a place to get off the streets or out of abusive home situations and into a supportive environment where they can learn to care for themselves and their kids properly while sustaining long-term recovery and independence."

• RFC is the only substance abuse treatment program offering detox services, substance abuse treatment (24 women's beds and 12 dependent children’s beds), longterm clean and sober housing (60 women's and children's beds), and graduate homes (12 to 15 families) in Stanislaus County.

• 32 staff members—all with sustained, long-term recovery.

• Over 2000 women and 3,500 children served since 2011.

• More than $2.8 million raised privately since 2011.

• RFC is an integral member of Stanislaus County's Continuum of Care, a program using an array of housing and services designed to prevent and end homelessness.

A 20th-anniversary event is slated for Saturday, March 11th, 2023, at Richard's Ranch barn in West Modesto. This is an excellent opportunity to hear testimonials from current RFC clients, staff, and program graduates about their recovery and life transformation. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Carrie Cardoza Bordona at 209.581.2274 or carrie@gocardoza.com.

RFC, founded in 2003, is a ministry of Valley Recovery Resources (VRR) working to create a community where women seeking recovery, and their families, have the opportunity and services necessary for a drug-free and productive future. The women entering RFC need a lifechanging experience. RFC partners with other agencies and organizations to make recovery cost-effective and to ensure services are not duplicated. The results are transformed lives and reunited families.

Established in 2011, VRR, a 501c3, operates substance abuse and treatment services, long-term clean and sober living, and graduate homes for women and women with children. RFC is a critical component to the recovery process. VRR collaborates with groups and individuals committed to providing recovery resources to our community. Our partners include private individuals, corporations, faith-based communities, and government agencies.