A Quilt to Guide and Mend Hearts

A Gift from Women to Women—From the ACI to Marty’s Place

The compassion of our employees, Lauranne, Kieran and Jess, who work in the substance use treatment area, has not gone unnoticed by women impacted by their knowledge, experience and dedication. A group of women at the ACI designed a collaborative project to be given to other women seeking help at Marty’s Place, a new women’s substance use, residential treatment facility that will open soon.

The collaborative project is a beautiful display of color and handiwork that illustrates compassion, commitment and gratitude. You can imagine the circle of friendship that was created in the making of this piece. The quilt display is a reminder that being kind and receiving kindness is a key element of being well.

Marty’s Place is a 16-bed, 90-day program for women that will offer proven, effective treatment for substance use and co-occurring trauma that is often associated with surviving domestic violence, trafficking, homelessness and other life challenges. The house will fill a gap in Rhode Island where there is a significant shortage of options for women. Marty’s Place is a much-anticipated program that will continue the legacy of successful residential treatment practices for men, but with particular attention to women’s unique needs. The program is named for Margaret “Marty” Mann, a pioneer for establishing alcoholism as a treatable medical condition and reducing stigma and shame for women seeking help.

The ubiquitous words of wisdom in the recovery community that is embedded at the center of the quilt will guide women in their journey—a message from others who have gone before.

“God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” —AA Serenity Prayer

Our staff mentioned above:

Jess Elliott, LMHC​, Senior Director of Substance Use Services
Kieran Patry, RCS, LCDP, CCSP Director of Residential Services at Jellison House & Wilson House
Lauranne Howard MA LCDP, Program Manager at Marty’s Place

Thank you for all the work behind the scenes to bring Marty’s Place to life. Marty’s Place is expected to open before the end of the year.