The Lighthouse Wish List

The Lighthouse residential program for women and children is in need of the following items!

• 2 new strollers - with infant carriers attached.
• Bed pillows.

If you have items to donate, please call The Lighthouse at (302) 424-8080, or email us. All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you!

The First Time In So Long That I Could Remember Feeling Hope

Here’s another thank you note we received from a client at BCI Georgetown.

It was May 25, 2009, and I was three years into my relapse using all kinds of prescription pain medicine and barbiturates. I had already been to detox, a rehab, tried going back to Alcoholics Anonymous, private counseling, but had no hope. I just could not stop. My family was at the end of their rope with me, I had lost countless jobs, and friends. It was also my mother’s birthday, Memorial Day weekend, and I had a real knack for ruining any kind of family celebration. I had heard of this kind of despair, I had gone to AA when I was a lot younger, and stayed sober for many years. However, like the story goes, my life got better, and I began to put my sobriety on the back burner until my addiction came back and my life became a living hell.

I got a DUI that night and it is a true miracle I didn’t kill anyone. A couple days later in a drug induced stupor, I almost set our house on fire, and my mother put me out for the last time. I had nowhere to go, I checked into a motel and prayed to die. The next morning I woke up, and decided something had to be done, but still had little hope. I talked to a counselor, who convinced me to try another rehab. I really wanted to get sober again but didn’t think it was possible.

The second day I was at the rehab, I met the director, who was a friend of my father’s (he had also gotten sober through Alcoholics Anonymous). She asked me what had happened, and what I wanted to do once I got out. I told her I wanted to go to a halfway house for mothers and children, but didn’t think there were any in Delaware. She told me she wanted to check on something and she would get back to me. To my surprise, the next day she approached me and told me about a program in Georgetown, through Brandywine Counseling that she thought I might qualify for and could really help me and my twin 10 year old girls. I was really excited; it was the first time in so long that I could remember feeling hope.

On June 19, 2009, I left the rehab, and drove with my daughters to Georgetown. I was given an intake at Brandywine Counseling, and advised I could move with my girls into the Level 4 house through their Lighthouse Program. I started attending groups at the Lighthouse 3 days a week, along with group and individual counseling at Brandywine. I also started attending AA and NA meetings in Georgetown. Another girl and her daughter moved into the house from the Lighthouse Program and we became good friends. I got a job, got a sponsor, and started putting my life back together. It has not been easy, my car was repossessed and I have had to pay fines to clear up the damage from my past. Financially, things have been tighter than they have ever been in my life.

In March of this year, thanks to the employment counselors at Brandywine, I was able to enter back into the field of employment of cosmetology, which I love so much. My individual counselor always seems to find the positive in me, which I have a hard time seeing for myself. I have a great relationship with my daughters, and am rebuilding the relationship with my Mom. I have also been able to mend old friendships and made tons of new ones.

BCI Is Helping In Every Area of My Life

Here's a thank you note we received today from a client at BCI Georgetown.

I would like to give BCI Staff a thank you for everything. I have been a part of the Lighthouse women's program and part of the outpatient part. I not only get help from my counselor but also other staff. I have been using drugs all my life. I never took my medication. BCI is helping in every area of my life. They have helped me get back on my meds. They have helped me open up and talk about my feelings. They are helping me with transportation to and from appointments, employment, housing, and just not giving up.

Thank you BCI

"My treatment here at BCI has kept me alive through some of the most painful times of my life."

As you know, we're looking for customer reviews at GreatNonprofits.org from women who found help and empowerment through BCI's services. Here's a story that was posted last week:

"My experience as a BCI client has been very positive. I have been able to utilize many of the programs they offer. I’ve been on and off the methadone clinic for years and when ever I came back they welcome me with open arms. Almost two years ago I was pregnant and in active addiction. I got back on the methadone maintenance program but my use continued. My counselor at the time helped me get into the BCI Lighthouse program, a residential treatment center for women with children. Normally they don’t take pregnant women but my counselor pressed the issue and got me in at 24 weeks pregnant. On my 3rd day there my water broke and my son was born early. BCI was there for me every step of the way. Fourteen days after he was born he became ill and I was informed that he needed to be flown to Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. BCI employees were there with me when I received the news. Once in PA my son underwent surgery and the waiting room again was full of BCI employees. Eventually my son could not fight anymore and he passed on August 30, 2008. BCI employees were at the funeral and when it was over they took me right back to the Lighthouse Program. I have nothing negative to say about BCI, I’m grateful that they have not given up on me yet. Still to this day I struggle with sobriety and BCI is still by my side."

"The Great" - my treatment here at BCI has kept me alive through some of the most painful times of my life.

"Ways to Make It Better" - If I could make any changes to this organization it would be for them to get more funding to be able to help those who cannot afford services even when they are subsidized its not enough.


Many thanks to lalbright for sharing her story. If you have your own empowering story to share, visit GreatNonprofits.org and write your review today.

Sharing Our "Light" with the Senate

The Lighthouse Program had a visit from Senator Tom Carper and several district & state representatives earlier this month. The Senator and the representatives were given a tour of the facility. Senator Carper engaged our residents in conversation surrounding several things, such as the admission process, the treatment schedule and topics, their growth process and their plans after program completion. The ladies, as well as staff, were afforded the opportunity to take pictures with the Senator - that made their day!

"Welcome To The Light!"

BCI's Lighthouse Program for women with children continues to grow in leaps and bounds! We will be filled to our 10 bed capacity within the next week or so. Our treatment schedule has added new topics like Developing Positive Values, Manners Matter, and Decisions In Action.

Several women have enrolled and are attending GED classes via Sussex Technical School. We have 2 moms who have been awarded regular visitation with their children, and another mom who has regained custody of her children while at the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is keeping these families together. It helps women find the courage to break the generational cycle of addiction and transform their lives to become productive citizens and good mothers.

That is why Program Director Natascha Hughes welcomes new residents upon arrival with a big hug and a smile and says, "Welcome to the Light!" Funding from the State of Delaware for this program continues to be essential, as does your support. Thank you to all who have contributed to the success of these important services.

Beds Available Now at Moms and Kids’ Residential Program

The Lighthouse residential program is actively seeking referrals to fill available beds. New management would like you to know we have several vacancies for women who have children and need substance abuse and mental health treatment in a modified therapeutic community. Admission criteria are:

1. Women with up to two children under age 8
2. Mother must have custody or DFS reunification plan (or working towards) in place
3. With/without insurance
4. Authorization by the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s (DSAMH’s) enrollment and eligibility unit

Please call 302-424-8080 or email Natascha Hughes at nhughes[at]bcidel[dot]org if you have a referral. Also, please feel free to forward this message or post it at your facility.

Thank you so much for your assistance,
Brandywine Counseling Staff

Kids at Lighthouse Will Stay Healthy and Fit, Thanks to Donation

The kids at The Lighthouse Program will soon have more ways to have outdoor fun, thanks to a donation from a local church. Wilmington Friends Meeting has generously donated $500 toward the purchase of toys for BCI’s residential program.

We’ll be using these funds to buy toys that will keep the kids physically active outdoors, such as roller skates, jump ropes, tricycles, and games like volleyball and horseshoes. They’ll also be able to play indoors, with new accessories for our Nintendo Wii Fit system that promote a healthy lifestyle. Exercise and recreation are important for the kids at Lighthouse as they rebuild their family life and their bonds with their moms outside of the drug-using lifestyle. Thank you, Wilmington Friends Meeting! We really appreciate this gift.

The Lighthouse Program, located in Ellendale, Delaware, is the only non-profit residential substance abuse treatment facility in Delaware that permits mothers to bring their children with them. If you’d like to support Lighthouse, you can view our wish list here or donate online.

The Lighthouse Wish List

The Lighthouse residential program for women and children is in need of the following items:

1. House wares and furniture in good condition to help women start over. Twin beds and cribs.
2. Knitting needles, crocheting hooks, yarn, and other craft supplies
3. Small bicycles and helmets for kids

If you have items to donate, please call (302) 424-8080 or email us. Thank you!

5 Questions for Threasa Brittingham, Resident Manager

5 Questions is our ongoing feature where we introduce you to the people who make Brandywine Counseling run, spotlighting a different staff member every two weeks.

Name: Threasa Brittingham
Job: Resident Manager, Lighthouse Program
Time with BCI: 1 year


1. What’s your job at BCI?
I do everything! I try to guide the women in their daily task of taking care of their children, getting them on a schedule, just trying to get them to have a consistent schedule so they have a routine in their life. Sometimes they need to talk, they can talk to me, pull me aside. I’m constantly on the phone -- every doctor’s office, every court, every division of child support -- we are constantly on the phone! That’s basically what I do.

I usually work in the morning. I come in, I join in the morning meeting with the ladies. Sometimes I attend their groups. If they have an appointment, I usually take them to their appointment. Or I might have to go out and pick up needs for the house. I usually go over to lunch with them. Then in the afternoon, I usually do their afternoon groups with them also. I sit in, but also try to participate, especially when it’s parenting.

2. What made you want to do this kind of work?
I kind of stumbled across the job in the newspaper. I had been a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) for years, liked it but didn’t love it, and decided to try something new.

3. What would people be surprised to know about your job?
We probably know our clients more than their counselors do, because they spend a few hours a week with their counselors, but they’re spending 24 hours a day with the residential manager. So when thoughts and feelings come up, we’re always available to talk to, where maybe their counselor isn’t. With all the different personalities, we have changes constantly. So we know them very well, and our counselors appreciate us for that. They take our feedback very seriously.

4. Tell us your favorite client success story.
There’s one client -- and she actually left the program early. She had been in treatment before. And I saw her last week. She has, on loan, a new car. She’s gotten custody back of one of her children. She goes to school. She’s just doing awesome. So, seeing her lets me know that treatment does work.

5. If you had $30,000 to donate to BCI, what would you do with it?
Put in a second story on this house! I wish that we could help more than ten women. I wish that everybody wanted the help, and I wish we had a 100% success rate.

Volunteers Visit Lighthouse for International Women's Day

Sunday, March 8th, a group of volunteers came to the Lighthouse Program to recognize the women in the program on International Women's Day.

They were led by Lauren Pearce, the Constituent Relations Liaison for Delaware Governor Jack Markell, who collaborated with Sarah Wyshock-Wolfe, the Program Coordinator of Community Services for the YWCA, and a veteran volunteer to the Lighthouse Program. All together, there were about 8 volunteers who participated.

They brought books and coloring activities for play time with the children. The volunteers and the women of the Lighthouse worked together on reading and creating with the children. The volunteers were also kind enough to bring snacks for all of the women and children.

The women of the Lighthouse enjoyed the outside volunteers. They provided time to enjoy being a mother and develop a further bond with their children. The Lighthouse staff and clients are grateful to the women for generously giving their time to provide positive support in the lives of all of the women in the house that day.

Kelly Enfield

Counselor/Case Manager

Help Lighthouse Get Ready for Spring

Spring is almost here and the Lighthouse Program will be able to send the kids outside to play! Here's our wish list of outdoor items we would love to have:

1. Roller skates (adjustable) for girls and boys ages 4-6
2. Jump ropes
3. Wii Fit or anything else to accompany our basic set
4. Volleyball net and ball, horse shoes, and any outside games
5. Tricycles and small bikes with training wheels

If you have items to donate, please call (302) 424-8080 or contact us. Thank you!

Gannett Foundation Grant Will Bring Furniture, Fun to Lighthouse Program

The Lighthouse Program will be able to buy new furniture and educational supplies for our day care thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation.

This gift is going to add to the cheerfulness and home-like atmosphere of the day care. We’ll be able to get furniture including cribs, a rocker, a swing, changing tables, and storage units. Plus, educational materials -- like alphabet picture puzzles, an animal photo library, math match-up set, and social studies book set -- will be used to teach the children skills in language, mathematics, science, music, social studies, and dramatical play. These improvements will help make the day care a safe and pleasant place for the children to play and learn.

The Gannett Foundation is a corporate foundation sponsored by Gannett Co., Inc. They give grants to organizations in the communities in which Gannett owns a daily newspaper or television station.

Thank you very much for this wonderful gift!

The Beach Dawgs Bring Holiday Cheer to Lighthouse

Our moms and kids at the Lighthouse Program will have gifts to look forward to this Christmas thanks to a generous donation from the Beach Dawgs. This Delaware-based Cleveland Browns Fan Club, which includes BCI’s Shay Lipshitz, decided to sponsor Lighthouse and bought all the gifts you see in the pictures. They are a great bunch and we are very thankful for their support. Thanks to club President Maureen Keenan, pictured below with Shay and friend.

Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids

Brandywine Counseling's Lighthouse Program has been selected as a partner in the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program, a national grass roots effort to deliver $1 million of free shoes to children of families in need this holiday season.

BCI will receive fifteen $15 shoe coupons redeemable toward a pair of children’s shoes at any Payless ShoeSource store.

On behalf of our families and their kids, we say a big thanks for this gift. Many of the kids arrive at Lighthouse with their mothers with very little, ill-fitting clothes. Sometimes their shoes don’t fit or look appropriate for their age group. Putting on a new pair of shoes will raise their self-esteem. Going to a real store and getting a new pair of well-fitting shoes will be a great delight to these families.

The 2008 Holiday Giving Campaign was established by Payless ShoeSource to provide new shoes to children in need throughout the United States. 630 organizations were selected from all 50 states.

Why We Got Involved! Supporters of The Lighthouse Program Tell Why Giving Feels Great

Since the opening of The Lighthouse Program for women and children, we at Brandywine Counseling have seen a wonderful response from people in the community who want to help out the program by donating time or items. Thank you to all of you!

You’ve volunteered to teach classes for the moms, including crocheting, computers, ceramics, and Life Skills. You’ve donated toys, clothing, a huge train set, five sewing machines for the sewing class, and handmade quilts for the babies. Most impressively, you answered our call to help build a children’s playground, as we raised over $19,500 and surpassed our goal! The playground has been built and gives our kids an outlet for relaxation and releasing stress while their moms work on their recovery.

It’s time now to celebrate you, our donors. We want to share some of your stories, why you gave, and what it meant to you. Though your reasons for giving were quite diverse, you did have something in common: a feeling of personal involvement. By giving, you were also getting something back. And, there was another common thread: Shay Lipshitz, BCI’s Director of Sussex Services. It seems that wherever she goes, Shay can’t help but spread her enthusiasm for the program!

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Miriam Zadek was one of the first friends Shay introduced to Lighthouse. “The Lighthouse program has a superb advocate in Shay,” Miriam says. “Her ability to engage one’s interest, both by providing information about the importance of programs such as Lighthouse, and her willingness to share her own story, can capture the imagination of anyone who has the privilege of hearing it.” Invited to visit the program for a firsthand look, Miriam willingly accepted. “I was struck by the young women[’s] engagement in achieving goals which would lead them to being productive, accomplished, self-sustaining parents and individuals.” However, she also saw a paucity of resources for children's play and learning. She saw the need to rectify this, and decided to support the playground campaign with a donation.

“My husband and I have spent happy summers and year-round visits in Rehoboth, and owned homes here since 1973. We feel, wherever we live, that we have an obligation to give. We have welcomed opportunities to assist several programs in the area, all of which aim to assist people in acquiring the skills to live more comfortable, productive lives. We are especially concerned with the need for educational resources for children. As programs provide opportunities for growth, this makes our world a better place for all. We hope, in giving, that we can encourage others to give, according to their capacity.”

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Suzanne Squires became involved with Lighthouse for a different reason. For her, it was a chance to support addiction recovery, something she has personal experience with as Shay’s sponsor. “Addicted mothers have the hardest time staying with their children,” says Suzanne. “Through the Lighthouse Program, they can be with their children and learn parenting skills.” Upon visiting the program, she found it was “wonderful; very homey and clean.”

She felt she could impact the program in a positive way by donating. “I decided to donate because I thought it was a much needed program. It is a great feeling to know that by contributing, I have helped someone in a very concrete way. Every little bit helps. I think Shay and Brandywine Counseling have made a big difference in a lot of people’s lives. I applaud them!”

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Carol Ann Rudolph became introduced to Lighthouse and Shay through the Seaside Jewish Community. Carol Ann met Shay through her late mother, Dorothy Shor, with whom she used to play mah jong. “Shay told me about her work, and I was totally intrigued by it, and very, very moved by the concept of this program.” After visiting the program, she became even more committed to raising money. “The facility has been done so beautifully. The quality of the work, the space for the counseling is so warm and inviting. It’s a place that’s been built with a sense of dignity and respect for the women, and for the hope they will have a better life, and I truly sense that.”

In September, Carol Ann organized a “Lunch With A Purpose” fundraiser (pictured above) in conjunction with Seaside to benefit Lighthouse. About 60 people attended, the largest turnout the luncheon had ever had. $450 was raised from a raffle including gift certificates, crafts, and art. In addition, guests pledged a number of in-kind donations to the program.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to use your energy and your time for something as purposeful as this program,” Carol Ann says. “These women are now going to be able to be productive in society, and they’re going to be healthy, mentally, physically, emotionally. Then, they will have better lives. The children will have a better quality of life, and a better chance at life in this society.”

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Florence Levy brings a one-of-a-kind perspective as a supporter of Lighthouse. An 84-year-old retired nurse, Florence gave out the first dose of methadone in Delaware in 1968, at Wilmington Hospital. That clinic turned into Brandywine Counseling in 1985. More recently, she became friends with Shay through Seaside Jewish Community.

Florence recalls what a new experience it was to open the clinic with less than ten patients. “I didn’t know a drug addict from a hole in the wall, all I knew was some guy that played a horn in New York City in a dingy bar. That was my opinion of a drug addict! I had no idea what I was dealing with. Everybody said, 'Aren’t you afraid?' Well, I wasn’t afraid of them. I went to conferences in Washington, D.C. and I was the only older white woman without torn jeans and long hair!”

Under Florence’s supervision, the clinic grew, and soon it generated success stories. “We had one young woman who was pregnant, and we started to wean her off of the methadone, and she didn’t know we were weaning her off, she just thought maybe she was getting a touch of the flu. When we gave her the last dose, she was so thrilled and so excited, she was jumping and dancing around. We had a success story! Over the years, I’ve lost track with a lot of them, but it was a rewarding assignment and it was an education for me.”

When Florence learned that Lighthouse was opening, it just made sense to become involved. “I was there for the opening day when Gov. Minner was there. I truly believe in it, and to have their children there is a great asset.” Years ago, Florence would have eagerly taken a more active role in the program, but today she feels the best way she can contribute is through the occasional donation of money and clothes. The reason is simple, and the same as it was forty years ago. “It feels wonderful to help those people.”

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We could not celebrate our donors’ stories without including Shay herself, because in addition to directing the program, and spreading the word to others, she is also a donor. Why does it come so naturally to tell others?

“I tell because I believe in what we do at Brandywine,” she says. “I tell because I know personally that treatment works. I tell because this is a deadly disease that left untreated kills more than the person. Addiction destroys families, homes, health, dreams, hope and dignity. I tell because I am loyal to a company that gave an addict like me a chance to work. I tell because to watch the faces of children who are spared the suffering that comes with active addiction is a joy unparalleled. I want people to put a face on recovery. I do not think people have seen treatment. They hear about it, but have no idea what it looks like.

“I gave because it is a way of giving back the gift I received. Recovery has given me a life that is priceless and my dollars would never even be possible without it. I give because it shows that treatment works, and I give because I am thankful.

“My donation was for the playground. Many of the children have had little fun in their short lives, and I want to hear their laughter and see the moms feel joy from the happiness of their kids. I have a wonderful life, and I am grateful to be clean and sober. I am the one who benefits from my giving. In recovery, it is my obligation to pass on what works, and giving to others works. It has for me.”

The Lighthouse Program is funded by and is part of the system of public services offered by Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. For more information about The Lighthouse Program, please call 302-424-8080.

"To Have Their Kids With Them - It's A Motivator."

Denise Kitson, Lighthouse Program Director, is interviewed in the latest issue of the Coastal Point newspaper. She provides an inside look at this one-of-a-kind program in Delaware, including our therapeutic philosophy and how the residents spend their days. I encourage you to check it out!

Lighthouse Program to Open Re-Entry House

The Lighthouse Program will be opening a re-entry house on October 1, 2008, where moms and their kids will live as they prepare to complete their treatment and live independently. The house will provide an opportunity for the women to practice what they’ve learned in treatment, in the community.

A woman eligible for the re-entry house must be in the final phase of her treatment, the re-entry phase. She will be employed in the community, and may have a car. She will pay a reduced rent, so she can continue to save and meet her self-sufficiency goals. Program requirements become less restrictive, as the client will continue to provide drug screens, attend one group a week, and receive case management as needed to continue her transition to independent living with her children.

Each re-entry resident will also make a commitment to work one shift a week at The Lighthouse inpatient facility in Ellendale. She will serve as a role model and demonstrate responsibility and clean and sober living skills. After 3 months, she may submit a proposal for “Candidate Out,” and graduate the program.

We are very excited about this addition! It will allow us to serve more new women as we phase successful clients out of the program, while maintaining their input and connection to The Lighthouse.

Volunteer Spotlight: Eul Lee, Lighthouse Program

Eul Lee does a weekly "Creative Expression" group with the moms at The Lighthouse Program on Wednesday afternoons. They do everything from crocheting, to painting, to making jewelry. She also teaches computer skills. In our latest volunteer spotlight, Eul tells us about her experience in her own words:

I had been looking for ways to help women in trouble, particularly female prisoners who have kids whom they could not tuck in every night. My idea was to teach them to make tuck-in blankets for their kids as a way to connect with their kids while making them and for the kids to feel their moms around them especially at night. I had no idea what [The Lighthouse Program] would be like. Then, I found the problems these women are in are much bigger than I had ever imagined.

I had initially tried to teach them how to crochet. Some already knew how to crochet and some didn't. Even very novice ones picked up crochet very quickly, generally much quicker than others I had taught before. I found they are very creative and resourceful. They enjoy small projects they can finish in an hour or two and show off, such as painting a picture frame, making earrings, etc.

I also tried to work with them on computer skills. They all enjoyed Mavis Beacon program (a very good software to help improve typing skills) very much. Most of the women seem to have some knowledge in MS Word and some other MS software, but not in depth.

I saw the real improvements in most women as weeks go by. I see smiles on most women there. Sometimes I hear them sing. Some would encourage others and try to get the newly joined ones involved in activities. Some decided to leave the program, which is a very heart breaking experience for me. I wish I could see them again somewhere some time.

While they have to live with the consequences of their choices - losing kids and family, sometimes their freedom, and precious years of their lives - it is good that there are programs such as BCI if they are willing to get help.

I am not sure whether I can take much credit for helping them, but I do hope they acquire the skills they need to cope with the lifetime recovery and learn the importance of their soberness in their kids' lives.

The Lighthouse Program Wish List

The Lighthouse residential program for women and children is in need of the following items:

1. Pampers, Pampers, Pampers
2. Wagons
3. Photo frames and albums for children's pictures
4. Exercise DVD's for moms
5. Sheets, comforters, and pillows for twin beds/blankets --some for adults, some for kids
6. Yard work supplies for gardening/landscaping (little garden tools, shovel, weed wacker)
7. Single strollers
8. Clothes for children of all ages
9. Clothes for women: robes, panties, bras and socks, pajama's
10. Tupperware, pots/pans, dishes, cups
11. Jump drives to store computer work like resumes, meeting schedules
12. School supplies
13. Birthday or holiday presents and party supplies
14. Clock radios
15. Haircut gift certificates
16. For our re-entry house for women nearing completion of treatment and transitioning to their own housing: Furniture, sheets, comforters, artwork, towels. You can adopt and decorate a room in this 4 bedroom house.

If you have items to donate, please call (302) 424-8080 or e-mail us at contactbci[at]brandywinecounseling[dot]org. Thank you!