Building Healthy Bonds Through Play

Mothers Making a Change

Substance use disorders don't just affect individuals; it impacts entire families. Picture a neighbor, or friend, a mother, facing the difficult choice between seeking treatment for her addiction or retaining custody of her child. Since 2020, Mothers Making a Change has empowered nearly 3,000 women, shaping a brighter future for mothers everywhere. What is unique about this program is that women can bring their children, ensuring they stay together during the recovery process with access to childcare and parenting support. With your help, we will be able to create a safe and healing environment where Mothers can rebuild their lives and create special memories with their children.

Mothers Making a Change (MMAC) is a 6-9 month residential treatment program in Cobb for pregnant and postpartum women who struggle with substance use disorder. It is more than a treatment program; it is a pathway to healing, stability, and renewed hope. It provides a highly structured, trauma-responsive environment where recovery can take root. 

A Mother's Journey to Recovery: Jessica grew up in foster care, never truly feeling safe. The abuse she endured forced her to leave by the time she was just 15. She was pregnant with her first son at age 19, who had special needs. When the weight of her past and having no strong social support, she turned to drugs. Her addiction consumed everything, including the people who mattered most. Her attorney suggested the Mothers Making a Change program. It was more than a treatment program; it became her home, her hope, and her family. She learned something she never believed before- she is worthy, worthy of love, deserving of a future. "Being at MMAC changed my life and not just mine- I've seen it change so many lives. So many children's lives." Jessica said. Today, she has her children back. She is sober. She is thriving. She is grateful to MMAC for giving her a chance to become the mother she always wanted to be. "MMAC is the reason I have my children today. They are the reason I am who I am. I don't know where I'd be without them."- Jessica.

MMAC is at a critical turning point. MMAC currently occupies more than a dozen individual units in an apartment complex. This fragmented arrangement has proven to be inefficient, while its location within a public complex has resulted in numerous safety and security risks to the women in the program. Without immediate action, dozens of mothers and their children may lose access to life-changing treatment and support. We have identified a solution: After nearly three years seeking a more suitable place for the program, we have the opportunity to re-purpose a facility in Austell. The Austell City Council voted unanimously to rezone the property for a residential facility. This site was carefully chosen not only to replace the current setting but also to enhance and expand the MMAC program. While the building has adequate space to house the program, substantial renovations are needed – adding bedrooms for the women in the program, an industrial kitchen, therapeutic childcare space, family meeting rooms, green space, a playground, privacy fencing, and more.

Why is a playground important? It affords mothers an opportunity to develop and strengthen bonds with their children in a fun, healthy, and healing environment. Mothers not only can practice their parenting skills, but also create special memories with their children. Many of the women coming into the program do not have these types of memories themselves. They have experienced trauma, and many have grown up in an unhealthy environment. Our goal is to change their future and raise $25,000 for the playground. This is a portion of what is needed for equipment, sunshades, seating, safe and durable turf, and fencing.

Together, we can break the cycle of addiction and build brighter futures for families.