“When I came to Meta House I was 38 years old, but I felt like I was 15. I was pregnant and I had two kids that I had left behind because of the grips of addiction. I didn’t know how to be a mother. I remember one of the counselors who said, ‘Recess is over. It’s time to grow up.’” Pam Gonzalez’s incredible story of recovery is captured in a video that became an integral element of the Women’s Advocacy Project at Meta House. The project works to reduce the stigma associated with women with substance use disorders by challenging the common, harmful belief that women who abuse substances are morally weak or deficient.
Pam’s daughter says “Meta House brought back the woman she wanted to be…I am most grateful that they showed my mom how to be a real mom.” Pam is now involved in the daily life of all three of her daughters, ensuring that they have a better future.
Meta House received a 2011 grant from the Women’s Fund to support their Women’s Advocacy Program. This is just one example of how our grant partners provide women-led solutions to critical community issues.
As we celebrate 25 years in Milwaukee, we have set a goal to increase our grantmaking by 25%. With your continued financial support, and the support of others, our pooled resources will have even more impact on programs that create lasting social change in our community. Donate today!