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Women Recovering from Addiction Working with women seeking recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol is one of the hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. For more than 5 years, Sisters Jean Schulties and Gertrude Provost have been in mission at Interim House in Philadelphia, PA. A residential program for 25 women, Interim House utilizes a holistic approach to treating drug and alcohol addiction. Many of the women who live there have a history of trauma and abuse, and many are on parole for felonies related to their substance abuse. "In the 6-month residential program, they are helped in the first stages of their recovery," explains Sister Jean.
For 10 months each year, Sisters Gertrude and Jean facilitate a mandatory weekly course based on the book, "Houses of Healing: A Prisoner's Guide to Inner Power and Freedom." Topics covered include recovery; forgiveness; spiritual awakening; and new ways to understand and manage emotions. "We see ourselves in a sense as grandmothers," says Sister Gertrude. "We try to share our life, experiences, and the wisdom of the book in our weekly sessions." The goal of the course is to help the residents develop self-knowledge, which leads to an improved self-image, and a strengthened will to lead a better life. Each session begins with meditation, and closes with a prayer. "The residents always have something they want to pray about," says Sister Jean. "Then I find out what's really on in their minds."
Our Sisters fill out weekly reports on each session, and the residents fill out evaluations that consistently express their gratitude for the class. "It feels so good to have someone who cares for us, and would take time … to come and see us every week," said one of the residents. Another recalls, "When I came to Interim House and to the Self-Awareness Group, I did not feel good about myself … now I leave with my head held high!" Sisters Jean and Gertrude attend Interim House graduations, which are held several times each year, and also host popular Retreat Days for the women twice a year at our North American Headquarters in Philadelphia. When budget cuts threatened Interim House, they helped to ensure funding by writing letters, gathering signatures, and visiting congressmen. They also have attended the funerals of 3 former residents. Recently, Sisters Gertrude and Jean were awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from Interim House. "Thank you for your love and support in helping women in recovery," it reads. "Your weekly presence in our program brings all of us peace and love!"
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