Providence House Minot Expands Support for Pregnant and Parenting Women in Recovery
On September 15, North Dakota’s Health and Human Services (HHS) joined forces with Providence House Minot to commemorate the enhancement of its residential treatment services for women managing addiction, particularly those who are pregnant or raising young children. The program’s recent launch signifies an important step toward creating a nurturing environment focused on recovery.
A Family-Centered Approach
The newly established Pregnant and Parenting Women program allows mothers to reside with their children, who are up to five years old, while they undergo comprehensive treatment for substance use disorders. This initiative offers a 32-day inpatient component designed to help women gain the skills necessary for sustained recovery and long-term stability.
Leadership at Providence House Minot includes Executive Director Chet Hower and Director of Operations Morgan Layne, alongside founder Jonathan Layne, who played pivotal roles in launching the program.
Breaking Stigma and Fostering Support
During the open house event, Jonathan Layne emphasized the importance of community support in overcoming the stigma associated with addiction. He stated, “There’s no shame in addiction. The only shame should be staying out there. There’s a safe place, there’s help, and the more we can do this type of work, the more we can educate people about this disease.”
Personal Stories of Transformation
Sienna Hayes, a guest speaker at the event, shared her personal journey through the challenges of addiction and homelessness. Reflecting on her past, she remarked, “I was scared, alone and homeless. I wasn’t thinking about anything but getting high. Providence House helped me get my life back and be the mother I wanted to be.”
Hayes credited the 32-day program for providing not only a refuge from substance use but also the structure, guidance, and support essential for fostering a stable environment for her children. “Recovery is hard work, but every day you keep going, things get better. I can now provide a stable home for my kids and a better future for our family,” she expressed.
Community Engagement and Program Benefits
The program is designed to maintain the mother-child bond during treatment, an approach praised by Sarah Lavelle, the Behavioral Health Administrator at HHS. She noted the program’s alignment with the agency’s goals of strengthening families and expanding access to high-quality services. “Residential treatment that keeps mothers and young children together can be a turning point for a family,” Lavelle said.
The open house, held at 423 Main St. S., provided attendees the opportunity to tour the facility and learn about the services offered to pregnant and parenting women across North Dakota.
A Broader Initiative for Women’s Health
This program at Providence House Minot reflects a wider strategy to meet the needs of women dealing with substance use disorders in North Dakota. By offering residential treatment that allows mothers to stay with their children, the initiative aims to disrupt the cycle of addiction and promote healthier families.
For Hayes, the program represented more than treatment; it was a lifeline. “Recovery is hard, but it’s worth it,” she reiterated. “Every day you keep going, things get better. I finally feel like I can provide a safe, stable home for my kids and build a better future for our family.”
The program is available to eligible pregnant and parenting women throughout the state, reaffirming North Dakota’s commitment to supporting family health and recovery.
