Taking Flight
"The services at St. Monica's enriched my life, retrained my focus, and restored my self-esteem. I received the help and support I needed. I learned that I am important and I don't need drugs to define me. Now that I'm in recovery, I am living in my very own apartment, working, repairing family relationships, and growing new healthy friendships.
St. Monica's is awesome!"
– Renatta
For women experiencing trauma and/or substance use disorders, St. Monica’s in Lincoln offers a safe place for them to make positive changes, gain new skills, and discover strengths to recover – and
take flight.
“Today I am the best I have ever been.”
Since 1964, women have been able to recover in a home-like environment because of St. Monica’s. Over 275 women come here each year. It’s about empowering women to feel they are worthy of their recovery, and that they deserve a better life. Because they do – for themselves, and for their families.
Growing to Meet the Needs of Clients
What makes St. Monica’s so unique is that they have a high recovery rate. This is due to their understanding that a large part of recovery is keeping families connected throughout the process, including moms with kids, when appropriate. Creating programming and spaces that support the families’ needs during and after recovery improves the chances for them to live healthy and happy lives.
New St. Monica’s Location
“St. Monica’s is beginning a new chapter,” said Natalya Young, Executive Director of St. Monica’s. “Thanks to funds available, and still to-be raised, we are working toward the completion of our Take Flight Capital Campaign which includes renovating current spaces and relocating some programs to newly acquired buildings at the Veteran Affairs campus in Lincoln. This will allow us to provide better quality services to even more women in need of care.”
Women can be at St. Monica’s for up to a year between residential and outpatient services. That’s why it’s necessary to enhance the spaces that are currently available. Sometimes women come with children and infants, so we have an opportunity to maintain the bond between them when possible.
Upgrades to the existing facilities and adding remodeled buildings at another location includes renovating sleeping rooms, common spaces, kitchens, restrooms, patios, fencing and play areas, and security. The following require upgrades or major renovations:
Short-term Residential, Facility Upgrade
(20 women served every 6-8 weeks)Therapeutic Community, New Location
(16 women served every 4-6 months)Project Mother Child, New Location
(9 families served every 4-6 months)Women Are Sacred, New Location
(12-16 Native American families served each year; 20-25 infants and children in licensed child care)Step-Down Housing, Facility Upgrade
(12-16 women served every 4-6 months at Wedgewood, and 14 women/families served each year at Skyway)Affirming Women’s Empowerment-Halfway House, Facility Upgrade
(12 women served every 4-6 months)
“We’re excited about adding the Veterans Affairs campus to our residences as it is a beautiful location and the buildings feel very welcoming. This will help women feel like they are part of a home and a community while they heal,” Natalya added.
*Client names have been changed to protect their confidentiality.
Learn More
Be a Part of Helping Women Recover
You may know someone who is in need of services that St. Monica’s provides. She’s your mother, your daughter, your sister, your friend, your neighbor – and she needs your support to Take Flight.
“A woman who crosses our path has strength to deal with the past and face what is ahead in her life,” Natalya said emphatically.
If you’re inspired to help, there are many ways you can get involved.
Join our volunteer list
Purchase a donor or memorial brick with your name or the name of a loved one
Sponsor a room on our new campus
Make a one-time or monthly general donation
$1,000 provides 3½ days of
residential treatment
$500 ensures weekly meals for 14 women
$100 provides transportation to appointments and childcare
$50 buys hygiene items for 2 new clients
$10 buys a monthly bus pass
It takes a village to Take Flight. Join St. Monica’s village. Your contribution is a part of the support system that makes stories like these possible. Thank you again for your commitment to St. Monica's mission.