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published March 26, 2010
Joshua 24/7
Expanded Services Make A Positive Impact
It’s been just over a year since the Breakthrough Joshua Center expanded hours to become operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week – even in the face of a tough economy. Until the beginning of 2009, Breakthrough’s facility for women closed shortly after lunch and did not reopen until early evening.
One former Breakthrough guest, who recently moved into her own apartment, understands the value of consistency. “During that time in the afternoon you had to find a good way to keep busy,” she says. “It was difficult.” Until the end of 2008, Breakthrough’s facility for women closed shortly after lunch and did not reopen until early evening.
“Now that we’ve been operating 24/7 for awhile, we feel the impact in big and small ways,” says Director of Adult Services, Yolanda Fields.
“Being available 24 hours a day has created greater stability for our women guests with substance abuse, physical, and mental challenges,” says Yolanda. “Guests who are in a fragile state get a much needed reprieve from harsh weather and the temptations of public places, where drugs are readily available. Actually, one woman who utilizes our Day Center program recently speculated that if this we had been open 24 hours when she was first here, it would have been easier for her to avoid making some bad choices. There is a real need for uninterrupted support."
Because of continued partnership from donors, Breakthrough can offer a stable environment where guests have the space, time and encouragement to address underlying issues and pressing physical matters. “We see people with severe, persistent physical and mental issues. That’s on top of whatever addictions they may have,” says Behavioral Health Coordinator, Madelyn Bell. “Now that the Joshua Center is open all the time, we are better able to carry out three goals: providing access to health care and behavioral health services, access to intervention and preventative health services, and continuity of care.”
Madelyn remembers one young woman who was diabetic and suffered from neuropathy. “She had swollen ankles and was on crutches,” says Madelyn. “She needed to measure her blood sugar regularly, so that was a real challenge to do in the afternoons. That’s the kind of thing that is made much easier by having a constant place to stay.”
The additional afternoon hours also provide more education and support to women. Madelyn coordinates the programming offered by partner organization, interns, speakers and volunteers to offer guests opportunities like health screenings, smoking cessation and other preventative care measures.