Community Foundation Supports New Women's Substance Abuse Treatment Program in Des Moines

Feb 22, 2013

Bridges of Iowa currently provides males in the criminal justice system with long-term substance abuse treatment programs addressing the root causes of addiction and criminality. Currently, Des Moines and the state of Iowa lack long-term substance abuse programs for women even though the need is substantial. Women with substance abuse issues typically have fewer resources than men. The new Women's Substance Abuse Treatment program will develop a long-term women's treatment program tailored specifically to the needs of women in the criminal system with substance abuse addictions.

 

Thomas J. Jackowski, Bridges of Iowa CEO commented, "Bridges of Iowa is excited to partner with both the Community Foundation and with Prairie Meadows to expand treatment options for women in Polk County. Women are a particularly underserved population and we are grateful for the support shown by these organizations as well as the Polk County Board of Supervisors and the Sherriff to expand our program."

 

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines is providing a $75,000 Leadership Grant to support the Bridges of Iowa Women's Substance Abuse Treatment Program. Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino is supporting the project with a $50,000 Community Betterment Grant.

 

"Bridges of Iowa has a long-standing history of providing substance abuse treatment programs, and the Community Foundation is pleased to partner with this organization so it can reach the next phase in helping women with substance abuse. This project is an example of strong partnerships between several organizations in Greater Des Moines focused on making lives better for these individuals," says Kristi Knous, President of the Community Foundation.

 

"We are proud to partner with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines to support the Bridges of Iowa Women's Substance Abuse Treatment Program," says Gary Palmer, Prairie Meadows President/CEO.  "Prairie Meadows has worked hard over the years to build a tradition of funding community projects both large and small in Central Iowa. This is just another way that we continue to support our mission of giving back to the community."