LAKE COUNTY — New Beginnings, the sole, state-licensed intensive perinatal alcohol and other drug abuse treatment facility in Lake County, is engaged in a celebration of life. It”s “Million Dollar Baby Drive” fundraising campaign, which launched earlier this month has met with the support of the community and representatives are excited and grateful for the response thus far.
“New Beginnings and Transitional Living Center (TLC) would like to extend our sincere thanks for the community for its support, participation and all the generous donations made recently to launch our ?Million Dollar Baby Drive,”” Janet Thomson, New Beginnings outreach provider said. “With this drive we hope to obtain much-needed funds that will allow us to continue to provide education, treatment and housing for many of Lake County”s residents.”
Thomson says that there are many stories of success coming out of the program, such as Lori Belvail and her infant daughter Lily, who was born while her mother was residing at New Beginnings TLC House. “Lori was pregnant when she came into our program in April 2009,” Thomson said. “She realized she would be placing her infant at high risk with her unhealthy lifestyle.”
Belvail is a graduate of Kelseyville High School who went on to attend Chico State where she graduated in 2002 with a bachelor”s degree in journalism. “She had never experimented with any type of drugs until her senior year in college. She was unaware she had a problem until she lost her job in Marin County as a lead building designer,” Thomson said. “She came back to Lake County to be with family and continued to use even more.”
Thomson said that eventually Belvail found herself in court and later on probation after she received a DUI. “While attempting to lead a drug-free life, she found herself slipping back into her addiction,” Thomson said, adding that with the help of Lake County Probation Department and Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS), Belvail was introduced to New Beginnings.
Thomson said that Belvail will graduate from New Beginnings this month. “She delivered a healthy, beautiful baby and is looking forward to maintaining sobriety and is excited to improve parenting and healthy relationships,” she said. “Her goal is to obtain employment again and lead a self-sufficient lifestyle and be a great parent.”
“This program saved my life. New Beginnings and my daughter have helped me realize I deserve a better, happy healthy life,” Belvail said. “Today I know I am worth it and my baby deserves having the best mom that I can be.”
The TLC House was established in 1994 as an intricate part of the New Beginnings program. The TLC House accommodates up to 12 women and their children. Thomson said it is one of the few living centers in Northern California that allows children.
Thomson said that childcare and transportation are significant barriers to receiving treatment in Lake County. “Transportation is a critical element in the success of our clients,” she said. New Beginnings provides transportation to clients and their children throughout the county enabling them to access the perinatal day treatment program, which is held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Breakfast and lunch are provided to the children while their mothers access services. Women are also on site contributing to the childcare while applying the parenting tools they”ve learned, Thomson said.
According to Thomson, the California Department of Health Services ranks Lake County in the top quadrant of the 768 US counties that are categorized as “most medically underserved.” She said Lake County ranks 52nd in infant mortality and 49th in late prenatal care.
Thomson said in 2002 the office of National Drug Control Policy estimated the economic costs of illicit drug abuse at more than $4,180 billion, making drug abuse one of the most costly health problems in the nation. New research by Ettner confirms previous studies in finding that treatment for substance abuse is associated with net benefits. Findings from the study, “Benefit-cost in the California Treatment Outcome Project, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation” suggests that every dollar invested in substance abuse treatment yields $7 worth of economic benefits to society, criminal activity, employment earnings and government transfer payments.
To contribute to the “Million Dollar Baby Drive,” send checks payable to New Beginnings to PO Box 6470, Clearlake, CA 95422. For more information contact Janet Thomson at 995-3235, ext. 10 or e-mail janet@nblakeco.org.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
