Standing before a California judge in 2004, Jayme Simmons’ history of drug addiction, domestic violence and noncompliance with Child Protective Services (CPS) did not help her case to prove her ability to care for her newborn daughter, Jasmine — she had already lost parental rights for three children. Determined to regain custody of Jasmine, Jayme followed the judge’s suggestion and contacted STARS (Specialized Treatment and Recovery Services), a local nonprofit substance abuse program. A STARS recovery specialist referred Jayme to Options for Recovery, a residential substance abuse treatment program for addicted women with children, managed by Volunteers of America in Sacramento.

Withdrawn and depressed, 27-year old Jayme entered the Options for Recovery program in October 2005 and turned her life around. For three months, Jayme underwent intense substance abuse treatment, eventually moving to transitional housing where she received life skills training, case management and family support services, including daycare and preschool.

For the next 10 months, she blossomed in the outpatient program, complying with all CPS requirements — including random drug tests, parenting classes and numerous bus trips to visit her daughter in foster care. During the program, Jayme’s STARS worker and Volunteers of America counselor encouraged her and advocated for her reuniting with Jasmine. After completing the program, Jayme was awarded full custody of Jasmine.

With renewed confidence and a clear sense of purpose, Jayme hopes for a more fulfilling life as an independent woman and a mother. She is attending school to earn her GED and hopes to move to an apartment and go to college.