Since opening,
the organization has served over 100 women and children. |
|
ReFocus Outreach Ministry,
Inc., founded in 1999, is a faith-based
non-denominational residential facility designed to assist
women who are making the transition from homelessness,
substance abuse, and/or incarceration to healthy lives. For
the past seven years ReFocus has helped women in the
Bridgeport area redirect their focus from addiction and
crisis towards learning to live drug-free independent lives
and being competent mothers, involved citizens and
productive members of society. ReFocus provides a supportive
environment, working with each woman to recognize and build
upon positive strengths, and supporting each woman’s
individualized treatment and recovery program.
ReFocus was founded by a group of faith-based congregations,
the City of Bridgeport, and the visionary leadership of
Martha Melvin, a formerly homeless recovered addict and
mother committed to the special challenges faced by women
suffering with homelessness and substance abuse issues.
Since opening, the organization has served over 100 women
and children; with over 80% of the women now living
productive and drug-free lives. Most graduates now live in
their own homes, reconnected with community and work and
many reunited with their children.
ReFocus serves women aged 18 to 65 who are experiencing
homelessness and substance abuse issues in the Greater
Bridgeport area. The program has also served the young
children of mothers who enter, serving approximately 22
families a year (35 women and 12-15 children a year) in its
residential facility located in the East End Area of
Bridgeport. ReFocus has the capacity to serve 14 families at
any one point in time, with some families and individuals
staying just a few months while others benefit from the
longer program timeframe. Throughout their stay, on-site
case managers provide referral services, and intensive
supports for each woman living at ReFocus. The
individualized program provides substance abuse treatment
for those who need it, HIV counseling, daily living skills
training, parenting classes, career counseling, employment
assistance, and permanent housing linkages. |
