WELLSPRING New program helps parents in recovery

A new program aimed at helping parents in recovery from addiction begins this month in Hull at the Wellspring Multi-Service Center.

The 14-week Sober Parenting Journey is a free program open to mothers, fathers and caregivers raising children of all ages who have completed at least 30 days of sobriety, ranging from drugs, alcohol, gambling, self-harm and eating disorders.

Participants will meet weekly for two hours in a small group setting for activities, discussions and a family-style meal, all designed to strengthen their relationships with themselves and with their children.

Stephanie P. Masland CCHC, Director of Community Outreach at Wellspring, said the workshop will explore family dynamics, flaws as well as strengths, ways to let go of feelings such as shame, guilt, cravings and negative thoughts. She said that through reading, writing and drawing participants will focus on building trust, prevention relapse and learning how to communicate more effectively with their children.

"We also focus on how to effectively communicate with your children, become more confident and optimistic about maintaining recovery and learn how to overcome the stigma and shame of addiction," Masland said. "It's a curriculum rooted in the creation of new possibilities for yourself and your children."

Complimentary childcare is provided on site to make it easier for parents to attend.

Families will learn how to address the impact of triggers that lead to relapse, how to begin to understand and experience healing new and old wounds, as well as learn about local resources and support that is available in the community.

As the counselor for this workshop, Masland will work with the individuals in a supportive setting to uncover their inner strengths and help to achieve their personal transformation in recovery.

"As a facilitator, I participate in the conversation and exercises right alongside each participant, anything I'm asking them to share and talk about I will also be sharing and talking about from a personal point of view," she said. "Openness and honesty are two of the most important cornerstones of this program."

Masland said the program is a holistic approach to parenting and sobriety through the lens of strength and positivity, helping participants gain insight into who they are and why they make the choices they do.

"We are so pleased to be able to offer a safe and supportive space for participants to explore issues and influences that might be hindering them," said Vinny Harte, Wellspring Executive Director. "It is our hope that the Sober Parenting Journey program will help families heal, become more confident, learn of effective techniques, ideas and resources and so much more."

Masland said the workshop wouldn't have come together without the help of Quincy Family Resource Center, HAPSA, Safe Harbor Cohasset Coalition, Hull Firefighters, Social Service League of Cohasset, Hull Family Network, Holly Hill Farm and Debby and John Flanagan.

Last fall, Wellspring joined with the Quincy Family Resource Center when they offered Parenting Journey 1, a program with a similar curriculum but without the focus of sobriety and relapse prevention.

"It was a fabulous success, we had six graduates and one of our participants was able to regain custody of her child and has made huge strides towards her life, career and education goals," Masland said. "We are so proud of her!'

Wellspring hopes to run the Sober Parenting Journey twice a year at their Hull location at 814 Nantasket Ave.

For more information about Wellspring Multi-Service Center's Sober Parenting Journey contact Masland at stephanie@wellspringhull.org or 781-925-3211 x127. You can also visit wellspringhull.org.