Volunteers of America OHIN - Fresh Start Recovery Center

Residential Treatment for Mothers and Children

Fresh Start Recovery Center in Columbus, Indiana is designed for pregnant women and mothers living with substance use disorders. The center allows children to remain with their mothers during treatment. By keeping families together, the program supports both recovery and parenting, offering a safe environment where women can stabilize, bond with their children, and begin building healthier futures. Referrals are accepted from across Indiana, expanding access to care.

Integrated Treatment and Health Services

The program combines trauma-informed therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed counseling, with medications for addiction treatment (MAT) such as buprenorphine and naltrexone. Clients also have access to mental health care, medical support, and pregnancy and postpartum health services. This integration ensures that recovery addresses the full spectrum of health needs, not just substance use, and provides consistent support through every stage of treatment.

Skills and Supports That Strengthen Stability

Recovery extends beyond therapy at Fresh Start. Mothers receive parenting education, pregnancy and childbirth classes, and family coaching to reinforce their role as caregivers. Onsite childcare and residential beds for children reduce barriers to engagement in treatment. Case management services connect families to housing, social services, and employment counseling, while court advocacy and coordination with child welfare systems help women protect or regain custody. These supports provide the stability families need to sustain progress after discharge.

Continuing Care and Community Connection

The center offers intensive outpatient services, telehealth therapy, and aftercare planning for those stepping down from residential care. Peer recovery coaches, mentoring, and self-help groups create ongoing encouragement and accountability. Additional services, including transportation assistance, suicide prevention, and social skills development, help women stay connected to treatment and community resources. Fresh Start also serves diverse populations, including veterans, older adults, and people with co-occurring mental health or trauma histories, reflecting its commitment to meeting families’ varied needs.