Sep 28

Sep 28 Rochester Women's Center will be first of its kind in southeast Minnesota

Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge of Rochester broke ground Tuesday morning on a new 31,000-square-foot residential rehabilitation facility designed specifically to meet the needs of women.

The Rochester Women's Center will be located adjacent to its men's treatment center on Assisi Heights Drive Northwest. The male facility, which opened in 2014, can treat up to 93 men at a time.

Currently there is no similar facility for women within 50 miles of the area, despite recognition from those in criminal justice that demand exists.

"The legal and law enforcement communities have welcomed us and stated that they need us," said Tom Truszinksi, director of the Rochester campus.

"South of the Twin Cities metro area, there is nothing for women," he added. "And heroin, meth, opiates are running roughshod, destroying lives — and it's time that we step up and do something."

The organization cites a survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that found as many as 90 percent of people who most need drug rehabilitation do not receive it.

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"So many people are on this path of addiction where they don't feel like there is any other end," said Truszinksi. "Our solution is by showing love, respect and dignity. We want to instill the mental health care that these folks need."

The women's center will hold up to 80 women in both short-term and long-term programs. As part of the plans, the facility will include a visiting area allowing mothers to stay connected with their children and families. Construction is expected to be completed by late next year.

Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge has already raised $3.5 million of its $6.2 million capital campaign for the project. You can learn more about the organization's mission in the video below.