Women in Recovery was established in 1991 as a result of a need for a safe, dignified and comfortable place for women who are suffering from the disease of alcoholism, drug abuse and prescription pill abuse

Betty Ford's candor about her dependency on alcohol and painkillers made it easier for others, especially women to admit to having similar problems. For women, there is a tremendous stigma and deep shame attached to this debilitating disease, which makes it difficult for them to get the qualified professional help they need.

In 1992 Dr. David Murphy, Medical Director for the Exodus Chemical Recovery Program, in Culver City, recognized the need for a safe haven where women could recover with dignity and grace. About  the same time, Sister Ada Geraghty, herself in recovery from chemical dependency,  was introduced to Dr. Murphy and the seed was sown for what would become Women In Recovery, Inc.

A Board of Directors of business men and women was formed, and with everyone working together, Tax Exemption and Non-Profit Status was obtained. Thus, Women in Recovery was born on August 15, 1991 through the financial generosity of Dr. Murphy, his wife Luana and their friends and brothers Jack and Tom Pike and friends. 

Operations are centered at the former St. Mark Convent  in Venice.    A convent building, so well suited to the needs of women, serves as the ideal housing for this purpose. It's sits seven blocks from the beach in a beautiful residential neighborhood in Venice; a "home away from home" for the women while they heal from their disease and grow strong in their sobriety.

Women in Recovery is a non-profit corporation and is supported by fees paid by residents and by grants and donations from foundations, private organizations and individuals. Many of our most generous donors are former residents and their families ....allowing no woman to ever be turned away because of lack of funds.

Our Board of Directors consists of business men and women, some of whom are in recovery themselves. They meet monthly, more often if needed, to initiate policy, approve and monitor the budget and maintain a sound financial base. The Board Members, who are active members of the community, also sponsor and work on fundraising events to help defray the annual deficit.

There is capacity for 12 women at a time, making it possible to give each woman the individual attention she may need. The platform  and cornerstone of the program is the Twelve Step Model of recovery, which primarily is a spiritual program (non-denominational and open to all). It is based on the philosophy that until a woman can face the reality of any addiction in her life, other areas of stress and change cannot be adequately healed. 

The goal is to bring about change and renewal of the whole person: spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally, so that she may return to her family and the workplace as a vital contributing member.

Women in Recovery was created to be a safe place for women who sometimes feel very unsafe in today's world.  Women who come to Women in Recovery are from all walks of life.  This house is open and welcomes any women who shows a willingness to be sober and make the necessary changes that will support a sober and productive lifestyle. 

Women are asked to make a commitment of at least one month, and recommended to stay three months, in order to get a foundation in recovery that is necessary for them to regain their self esteem and self confidence.

The residency is tailored to meet the needs of each individual. During their stay, the women attend AA meetings, especially women's meetings, where they can meet and identify with other women like themselves. They also get the help they need to address the effects of their disease on the family through group and family therapy.  Weekly they attend lectures on alcoholism given by Dr. Murphy at the Exodus Recovery Center. Also on a weekly basis,  they have access to the support of a therapist. Individual counseling is available as needed. When they are ready, the women either get a job, go back to work or do some volunteer work, to help their transition back to the new world. 

When the women have completed the program, they are expected to join the Alumni Association, which meets once a month. They are also expected to make a commitment to work with the newly sober women at the house. The idea behind this ideal concept is that part of the  recovery process is to be of service.  In order to keep their sobriety, they must give it away by helping others.