Employment is an Important Element in the Recovery Process for Women at Brooke's House - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

Women in Western Maryland who are struggling with substance use disorder are grateful there is a place like Brooke's House where they can find support. Located in Hagerstown, Maryland, the facility provides a clean, safe, and stable living environment for women in early recovery. Brooke’s House implements a recovery process based on three essential pillars: promoting recovery, addressing mental health, and offering real-world work experience through participation in social enterprises operated by the organization. These employment opportunities allow Brooke's House residents to develop good work habits while pursuing recovery. As women progress through the program, they receive the tools and resources they need to transform their lives.

The Western Maryland Consortium (WMC) and Brooke’s House began working together a little over three years ago as part of the Maryland Department of Labor’s Support to Communities grant program. WMC used grant funds to support transitional work experiences, sponsor financial literacy classes, and offer a variety of trainings that helped women achieve self-sufficiency and long-term sobriety. Since the partnership began, WMC has enrolled 56 clients from Brooke’s House. Fifty-one have been successfully discharged with full-time employment.

The effective partnership between WMC, Brooke’s House, local employers, and the recovery community created a program that allowed women to break the cycle of addiction. The positive outcomes demonstrate that recovery is possible, and that including a focus on employment is an essential ingredient in success.