Hi my name is Kimberly. I took the Drug and Alcohol course at Cal State Bakersfield, Extended University. This course is for people who want to become A.O.D. Counselors. I successfully passed the course. I did my internship at Jason's Retreat under the supervision of Jennie Bell and Beverly Rhodes. I interned at the " Mommy House". This is a home for expecting women who have an addiction. These women touched my heart and soul. My youngest son was born positive for meth when he was born. I didn't know about Jason's Retreat at that time. However since my internship put me at the "Mommy House" I feel that Jason's Retreat can surly use the prize money since they are giving back to the community in more than one way. Not only do they help these expecting mothers understand the dangers of their addiction. They also see to it that these ladies have a safe place to have their babies. They encourage the bonding between the mother and child as well as the father if he's available. They teach these women how to become better parents and that they can change their lifestyles. Jason's Retreat doesn't always have such an easy road. They've had to remove children when the mother has chosen not to fully comply with the program and continues to use. There were never any empty beds while I was interning there. As a matter of fact there where women who had to be turned away cause there was no room for them. If you think about it not only do they help the women but they also are helping the unborn child, our future of tomorrow. I know that Jason's Retreat could really use this funding. I believe whole-heartedly in this program and the work that they do. Somehow, someway, we all need to see the urgency for this program. We can't keep turning a blind eye to the problems of addiction and the cycle of devastation it causes our society.
Review from Guidestar