Support for Harbor Area Womens Lives

Support for Harbor Area Women’s Lives (SHAWL) in San Pedro, California, is supported by local community donations, grant awards from SAMHSA, the Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women and other foundations. The home is licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services and is an affiliate program of Volunteers of America Los Angeles. Residency is available for women who are in the beginning stages of recovery from addiction.

Women’s Substance Use Treatment and Groups

You will spend four months in a supportive environment receiving treatment and education that will help you stay sober, be self sufficient and be confident in your abilities. You will have a drug and alcohol counselor and a case manager who will work on your personal needs with you.

Substance use treatment and therapies include 12 Step meetings, learning addiction recovery skills and participating in a relapse prevention exercise group called Strides in Recovery. You will learn how to increase your communication skills, set boundaries, learn about codependency and learn how to manage anger.

You will get to participate in community activities and service. Outside recreation and activities, meditation and exercise, and art therapy will give you a chance to bond with your housemates and destress.

You can participate in groups on topics such as tips to parenting, smoking cessation, domestic violence, financial literacy and health. The center will help you receive job training, complete your GED or begin higher education classes. Self sufficiency promotes sobriety and domestic violence avoidance.

Long Term Transitional Housing for Women

After completing the four month residency program, SHAWL has two transitional houses where clients can stay from 18 months to two years while in school and employed to promote longer recovery and avoid homelessness and domestic violence. Residents in these homes pay rent.