Who We Are
| SHAWL is a non-profit, 6- month residential recovery program for homeless women who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence and emotional abuse. The majority of women who come to SHAWL seeking help often have co-occurring mental health problems. SHAWL provides comprehensive services and treatment in a warm and caring atmosphere in two residential facilities for women who are attempting to end their addiction. Our goal is to provide addicted, dual diagnosed women with the life tools, support and services to remain clean and sober and become productive members of the community, achieve emotional and economic self-sufficiency, secure and maintain residential stability and, for certain residents, to regain custody and reunite with their children. Haviland house, our sober living program, is where women can remain an additional 18 months to two years while they are in school and employed and can continue the case management plans to maintain ongoing sobriety. Our History Concerned about the lack of services for homeless and chemically dependent women in the south bay area of Los Angeles, a group of dedicated individuals began SHAWL in 1990 as an emergency food pantry and drop-in center. Two years later, they opened SHAWL House, a six-month residential chemical dependency treatment program for homeless women. Thanks to the generous grant awards from several foundations, the SHAWL House was purchased in 2000 with grants from the Ahmanson, Parsons and Weingart Foundations. The historic house was the original school house for the Port of San Pedro and has been designated as a historic landmark, part of the Vinegar Hill District. In 1998, recognizing the need to further support graduates of the primary SHAWL program, a transitional housing facility was opened across the street from SHAWL House. Haviland House provides living space for 11 women who are ready to obtain employment, further their education, or receive vocational training. Women who have been reunited with their children can feel comfortable with having overnight visits at Haviland House in a warm and nurturing environment. Our Success SHAWL has been addicted, homeless women in need respond positively to supportive, structured Counseling and Case Management program specifically designed to meet the special needs of women. SHAWL has demonstrated a success rate of over 70% based on women remaining clean and sober for two years or more after graduating from SHAWL’s primary program and leaving our sober living residential program. |
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