Seeds Of Hope, Inc.
The mission of Seeds of Hope, Inc. is to provide transitional residential living for chemically dependent women. The structured program gives them a strong foundation through a loving environment. This empowers them to lead drug-free, sober, independent lives as responsible members of society.
Description:
Seeds of Hope, Inc. is an independent nonprofit 501c(3) organization, founded in 1999. The components of the recovery program are integrated into a supportive environment where residents learn to take responsibility for their own personal development, sobriety and health. To be accepted into the program each client must identify herself as an alcoholic, drug addict or dually addicted person and must commit to stay in the home for at least six months and up to one year. As each resident comes to Seeds of Hope, a staff member evaluates her situation, explains the responsibilities of residents, and, along with her, establishes goals for her stay and requirements for graduating from the program.
In order to remain in the house, each resident must comply with the client in-take agreement and house rules. All residents must attend ninety Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings in ninety days. They must work a minimum of thirty-two hours per week and pay a weekly program fee to help defray the costs of the house. They also are responsible for preparing meals and cleaning the house on a rotating schedule. Each resident must remain drug free and submit to random drug screenings. Residents are required to attend all in-house meetings.
In return, the residents are provided room, board, and a clean, safe, sober environment. They receive Twelve Step and life skills training, and assistance in seeking and maintaining employment. Relapse Prevention and spirituality sessions are provided every week. Residents are referred to outside addictions and personal counseling, medical care and other supportive services. They also receive help in their dealings with the court system. The staff abides by all court orders. Residents receive help in obtaining housing when they complete their program and leave the facility.
Graduates of the program come back to work as an overnight staff person, or fill in when needed on nights or weekends. Many have been united with their children and families, and own their own homes.
One key to success at Seeds of Hope is the balance between providing support to the residents, and requiring them to make progress toward their goals and comply with house rules. The goal of Seeds of Hope is clear: a new way of life, so that each woman who enters the program leaves with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence to live a productive life as a contributing member of the community.
History:
Seeds of Hope replaced the First Step program which was affiliated with Fairbanks Hospital. When Fairbanks closed their facility, located at 1425 S. Mickley Ave., Indianapolis, on the property of St. Joseph Catholic Church in September 1999, Janet Daniels, Seeds of Hope founding Executive Director, was an employee of First Step. Janet felt a strong commitment to those residents who, because of their financial status, had no alternative place to which to transfer to continue recovery. Janet and the pastor of St. Joseph Church, Rev. Glenn O’Connor, founded Seeds of Hope at the same location as First Step had been. A Steering Committee was formed that would gradually take over the responsibilities of a Board of Directors. A few months later 501c(3) status was granted. A year later the Board was officially established. Since that time the Board has continued to oversee the operations, raise funds and set goals for the future.
In 2005 the founding Executive Director resigned and was replaced by a former resident,and current employee, Marvetta Grimes-Cooperwood. Since the doors were opened, anywhere from seven to fifteen women have lived in the house at any given time. To keep the house operating, the board has sought and received donations from individuals and organizations, particularly churches. Funding has also been provided by the Indianapolis Foundation, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and other foundations. The board and staff have worked hard on fundraising events like the Anniversary Dinner, Reverse Raffle held at the Colts pavilion, and “Order-Out-of- Court,” a dinner, held at Iaria’s Restaurant, served by local judges, politicians, and other local celebrities. An Annual Campaign has become another source of funding. A newsletter is published four times a year, and an Annual Report once a year. Both publications are mailed to all contributors.
Improvements to the building have helped both safety and aesthetics a great deal. The house would be more self-supporting if more women could live there at one time. Plans have been drawn up to add bedrooms so that eight to ten more women can live there at once. This will become a reality in the near future.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (317) 481-0749
Address:
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1425 S. Mickley Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46241
(See a map) |
Web Site: None specified
| Last updated on June 17, 2009 |
