Jennifer Ewig, a family caseworker at CHD’s Two Rivers Recovery Center for Women in Greenfield, has been a CHD employee for more than 20 years in various roles for Adult Mental Health-Holyoke residential programs. “But there is something special about working with people in recovery,” she said.

Some of what makes her job rewarding, of course, are the success stories. Ewig recalled one resident in particular who had suffered a stroke because of her drinking, and before her stay at Two Rivers she had to relearn how to perform everyday basic functions, such as how to eat and walk. “She had never been in treatment before or had even looked at her drinking,” said Ewig. “She had never been to an AA meeting. But she decided to get her life in order. She did what she needed to do. She continued sober living, saying that she didn’t want to go back to the way she was.”

The recovery process, for that Springfield-area woman, included relocating to Franklin County to establish a new life and new routines, and to get away from old influences. “She has overcome her fears one by one about being out in the world—being independent,” said Ewig. “When you’re 60 years old, it can be hard to start somewhere new.” However, the woman has built a network of supportive individuals in the Greenfield area.

“For our residents, their success is due to the change that comes from being here, doing the work, and really getting to know themselves,” she said. “It’s about challenging their old ways of thinking and finding a new way of life.”

What would Ewig say to any woman who could benefit from a residential recovery program, but might balk at making such a drastic change? “I would tell her to give herself a chance,” she said. “Some people think they are unworthy of getting help. They have to realize that they are worthy and say to themselves, ‘I am an OK person.’”

Ewig said her favorite part of her job is “seeing the light and life come back into the residents. It is truly a gift to be even a small part of their journey.”

Do you know any woman who could benefit from this residential program? For more information on Two Rivers, click here.