YWCA Helena’s WINGS Program: A Path to Recovery
Comprehensive Support for Women and Children
The YWCA Helena, located at 501 North Park Avenue in Helena, MT, is dedicated to providing essential services for women seeking recovery. They operate the Women’s Initiative for a New Growth and Success (WINGS) program, which serves as a licensed Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program and a Mental Health Center. WINGS offers a dual focus: it is both a transitional living recovery residence and a provider of full wrap-around recovery supports, including intensive outpatient substance use treatment.
The program is unique in its capacity to serve women and their children, recognizing the critical importance of keeping families together during the recovery journey. WINGS can accommodate up to 24 women at a time, providing a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for healing.
Program Eligibility and Services
Acceptance into the WINGS program is considered for any female or female-identifying person who meets two primary criteria: they must be homeless or at risk of homelessness, AND they must have a clinical need and desire to engage in intensive outpatient substance use treatment. The application process requires a complete application form and a recent substance use assessment (within the last 3-6 months) verifying the need for intensive outpatient care.
WINGS provides extensive services designed to support long-term sobriety and stability. These services include professional therapy and counseling. Since approximately 99% of accepted women qualify for Medicaid, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for it, as Medicaid covers all therapy services. The program strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol, which is grounds for immediate eviction, ensuring a safe and sober living environment for all residents.
Program Features
- Licensed facility for Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mental Health Services.
- Transitional living residence for women, including those with children.
- Intensive outpatient substance use treatment and wrap-around recovery supports.
- Strong emphasis on family support and stability.
- Strictly monitored, sober environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the WINGS program provide childcare for residents?
A: The WINGS program is designed to serve women and their children as a transitional living recovery residence, offering a supportive environment where mothers can focus on recovery while maintaining care of their dependents.
Q: What is considered an “at risk of homelessness” status for eligibility?
A: While specific criteria can vary, being at risk of homelessness generally means the applicant is facing imminent displacement or lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, in addition to needing intensive outpatient substance use treatment.
Q: Are residents allowed to have visitors at the facility?
A: Recovery residences typically have policies regarding visitors to maintain security and the therapeutic environment, which should be confirmed directly with YWCA Helena WINGS staff.
Q: Can tobacco products be used on the property?
A: Residents are permitted to store tobacco and nicotine products in their rooms, but the use of these products inside the home or anywhere on the YWCA Helena property is strictly prohibited.
