Pubdate: Wed, 11 Aug 2010 Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2010 The Morning Star Contact: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352 Author: Cara Brady MOMS SHARING SUPPORT The Mothers for Recovery Support is there to help women as they choose their own goals for drug abstention and successful parenting. The group was started in Kamloops by Heather Cameron, a young, addicted mother on the streets of Vancouver who wanted a better life for her child and for other mothers and children in the same situation. "She found that there was not much support for mothers who successfully completed a rehabilitation program when they went back to their own communities," said Caroline Huisken, coordinator of the Pregnancy Outreach Program at the First Nations Friendship Centre which sponsors the support group. The group is open to everyone in the community. "I heard Heather speak and it made sense to me that peer support is huge. The women in the group receive specific support from the others." Tina Desjardine, a mother and former drug user, is the facilitator of the group. "Mothers who are clean or who want to get clean need a safe place to come where they won't be judged. They need to feel safe at all stages and be able to talk about their struggles and the things that are happening in their lives. If they want to come and not talk, that's okay, too," she said. Non-judgment and confidentiality are vital to the program. Each mother sets her own goals for recovery and parenting, and may change the goals over time. Peggy Himmelspach is not a member of the group but as a mother who had her own struggles with addiction, she supports the group. Her business, Urban Rebel Clothing Co., had a fundraiser and was able to contribute $500 to Mothers for Recovery. "I know the money will be used to help the mothers with things they need. There is a lot of stress in trying to become clean and one of the stresses is financial. Sometimes a little thing like getting some diapers, food or a bus ticket, can make a big difference. This group is doing such a great job in providing a safe place for mothers to support each other," she said. "I think it's important that the mothers support each other outside the group as well, with things like phone calls and getting together for coffee to help through the rough times and daily life. This is very good for the community. I wish there had been something like this when I was going through it." Women who come to the program can get information about community services that are available to them. "We can direct women to professional services in all areas. Mothers tell us that the group is awesome, that they are just so glad that it started up because there was no support for their situation," said Desjardine. "They are happy to meet others who understand and it gives them a sense of hope. They don't feel so alone. I have a huge passion for helping people who have lived on the street and are using or have used drugs. We welcome anyone to the group who thinks they need this kind of support." The program can use donations of baby and children's clothing and equipment, maternity clothes and donations to the hot lunch program. Mothers who are at any stage of recovery are welcome to come to the meetings which are held at the First Nations Friendship Centre Tuesday mornings. Child minding and snacks are provided. For more information, call Huisken at 250-542-5448. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D