Programs and Services

Lydia’s Place, Inc.

710 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2100

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-391-1013

412-391-1082 (fax)

info@lydiasplace.org

Helping Women Rebuild Their Lives

Pre-Release Programs

· Women FIRST - An intensive pre-release program for women with a history of drug and alcohol abuse, with an emphasis on preparing participants to enter treatment upon release.

 

Post-Release Programs

· Intensive Case Management & Referral Services - Individualized case management for recently released women including counseling and referrals for housing, job placement, drug and alcohol rehab and mental health treatment. 

· Thursday Night Activity Group - For recently released women in recovery, offering various activities and peer support.

 

Resources for Children & Caregivers

· Family Fun Events - Monthly supervised activities for children of incarcerated parents, their caregivers, and recently released mothers.  Includes a weekend retreat each year.  These activities offer families the opportunity to enjoy themselves and connect with other people in similar circumstances.

· Caregiver Support Groups - Held in conjunction with Family  Fun Events.  Caregivers receive peer support and information on topics of interest. 

Strengthening Mother-Child Relationships

· Parenting Classes - Lydia’s Place is creating a specialized curriculum for incarcerated parents.  Topics include supporting children with a history of trauma and attachment disorders, recognizing and affirming children’s emotions, and positive discipline. 

· Prenatal Classes - Weekly classes for pregnant inmates.  Includes information on nutrition, exercise, body changes, labor and delivery, and basic infant care. 

· Family Strengthening Counseling - Individualized support for families as they work to rebuild their relationships. 

· A Mother’s Voice - A special project that allows incarcerated mothers read and record stories for their children.  Each child receives a tape and a copy of the book to keep. 

2007 Outcomes

 

Lydia’s Place served a total of 1381 women both in and out of the Allegheny County Jail. 

 

119 women participated in our case management program after release.  Of these, we were able to track 55 for the following outcomes:

 

· 91% found safe, stable housing

· 100% found a stable source of income; of these 84% found a job

· 92% of the women with histories of addiction received substance abuse treatment

· 91% of the women with mental illness received mental health treatment

· Of the 16 women with minor children, 88% worked on strengthening their family relationships, and 50% regained custody of their children 

· 93% remained out of jail

 

Family Programs

· 38 women attended Lydia’s Place Prenatal Classes in the Allegheny County Jail 

· 40 mothers read 228 books to 55 children through A Mother’s Voice

· Lydia’s Place served 1799 adults and 2130 children in the Gwendolyn June Campbell Elliot Family Activity Center at the Allegheny County Jail

· 18 mothers or caregivers and 36 children attended our Family Fun Outings

· 83 children received holiday gifts