Quarterly Report From New Directions for Women

At New Directions for Women, located in Southern California, spiritual recovery is at the core of any recovery program. New Directions' annual Blessings Ceremony is one way we actively put that belief into practice. The ceremony offers a multitude of ways to honor not only the higher power working in our lives, but also to acknowledge the many spirits past and present that have come through New Directions. We honor the spirit of our founders, our past and current employees, volunteers, investors, patients, alumnae, the children and the very grounds they've walked. This year's blessing ceremony featured a variety of offerings from both Eastern and Western culture.

At the 2011 National Conference on Addiction Disorders (NCAD), Becky Flood's presentation focused on the changing demographics of the addiction field and what the future may look like for women in the industry. According to Becky, women in the field will have to work together to find solutions-make an effort to get to know one another, learn from each other and pass on their skills and knowledge. Mentorship programs could be key. NDFW will be co-hosting our first inaugural national Women CEO Roundtable in January 2012. Discussion topics will include: developing the history of female leadership in the addiction field, how to best support each other in being successful, and developing a working mentorship program to support the next generation of female leaders.

Also, for the fifth year, New Directions for Women hosted The Addiction Treatment Centers and Professionals Consortium of California (ATCPCC) held at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara this past July. This three day conference was attended by 85 people, representing 53 different programs from California to New Jersey. It focused on the trends in the industry, types of programs and opportunities for networking.

In September, over forty women in recovery and their guests boarded a yacht and set sail in the Newport Beach harbor for the annual Alumnae Reunion Harbor Cruise. While on board, the women held a 12 step meeting on the top deck and then afterwards participants enjoyed a gourmet lunch, karaoke and fun dancing while reconnecting, socializing and sharing how blessed they felt to be with each other in sobriety.

New Directions for Women is a gender specific residential treatment center for those struggling with addictions to drugs and alcohol and other addictive disorders with programming based on the 12 step principles. NDFW is accredited by CARF and a member of NAATP.