Crossroads for Women opened on October 1, 1974 in response to an identified need for a safe facility where women could begin the process of recovery from substance abuse. Beds were made available for eight women in Windham, Maine.
From its first days as a “safe place to dry out,” Crossroads for Women staff recognized the need for a comprehensive program that could address not only chemical dependency, but also the multiplicity of issues faced by women in recovery. In 1986, Crossroads for Women purchased and renovated the 100-year-old building it had called home for twelve years.
The need for residential services for women and their children became increasingly evident. In its 20th year, Crossroads for Women was awarded a grant by the Maine Office of Substance Abuse for the provision of a treatment component for mothers and their children. Construction began the following spring on an addition to the Windham facility to add four beds for women and eight beds for children. The first CAMP (Children and Mothers Program) families were welcomed in October 1995.
With the opening of CAMP, the garage in Windham was converted into a therapeutic daycare center where children could now experience the love of a sober mother in a consistent environment of caring.
In the summer of 1997, Crossroads for Women expanded its services to provide outpatient treatment in Portland. Administrative offices were also moved to this location, and the intake process was centralized making residential and outpatient screenings available in Portland.
In March 2001, Crossroads for Women was approached by the Maine Office of Substance Abuse regarding the interim administration of Evodia House, a halfway house in Portland operated by Catholic Charities of Maine. In June of 2001, Crossroads applied for, and was awarded, the permanent contract for this program. The halfway house was a crucial piece in the development of a comprehensive continuum of care for recovering women. In March 2002, Crossroads purchased the Back Cove Inn, a bed and breakfast on Forest Avenue in Portland. This facility became the new home of the halfway house program.
In the spring of 2005, the daycare program was moved to a new home in a small house adjacent to the residential program, with extra space for quiet rooms and plenty of play area. This move allowed for two additional beds to be added to CAMP. The two beds were made available to women being treated at the halfway house in 2006.
Crossroads for Women continues to grow and expand in response to the changing needs of recovering women in Maine. Its goal is to provide a comprehensive, seamless continuum of care for women and their families striving to live healthy and independent lives. Crossroads for Women is privileged to be a part of this incredible journey and is dedicated to providing cutting-edge, holistic, caring and effective treatment to the women it serves.