by Ellen Andre
(Since it’s launch in October of 2022, InsideLowell has provided me the opportunity to shine the spotlight on a number of key organizations in our community. In fact, in the nearly two years that have followed, I’ve been able to introduce you to a dozen of these groups. Of course, with the passage of time, many have grown and evolved since we first told you about them. With that in mind, I felt it might be a good idea to update you on where they are today, and how people like you have helped them along the way. Thank you for your support!)
Name of the organization: The Megan House Foundation, Inc.
Address: 2100 Lakeview Ave., #9, Dracut MA 01826
Chief Executive Officer: Pamela Huntley
How long has the organization been in operation: We opened our Residential Treatment Home for women in 2015, Erins House in 2017, and Emma’s in 2023 – both supportive sober housing.
Highlights and Accomplishments: Megan’s House continues to support and empower young women on their recovery journey. To date, our residential program has admitted over 400 residents, and we have celebrated 124 graduations.
How has the Program grown since 2 years ago: Over the past two years, Megan’s House has been driven to demonstrate to the young adult population we serve that recovery can be fun! With grant funding through GLHA, donations, and financial support through our foundation, Megan’s House has made it a priority to provide recreational activities to our residents at no cost. This has included trips to Canobie Lake Park, trips to museums, sober dances, and yoga with goats!
What are you most proud of in the last year: In August of 2024, two of our graduates who both have over 5 years of sustained recovery, gave birth to healthy baby girls. Another graduate has begun working at Megan’s House, and our most recent graduate is expecting a baby girl due this October!
What are 1 or 2 ways you have an impact that is different than our initial feature: One of the biggest impacts that Megan’s House has right now is always remaining a home for our former residents. Graduates of our programs come by on a weekly basis to visit with staff, take current residents to meetings, share their recovery story, and bring by donations. They have come to volunteer their time by providing services to residents such as haircuts, and several graduates have been employed at our program.
The journey of recovery is not always a straight path, and when former residents have slips or struggles, they know that they can call Megan’s House for support or to return to treatment here without fear of judgment.
Areas you’d like to expand or grow: Out last program opened in 2023 – We are looking at other opportunities to continue our mission helping women with treatment and long-term recovery.
Biggest challenges today: The changing landscape of residential treatment is no longer considered the first step to long term recovery. A large majority of people with SUD are also involved with the justice system, drug courts were established to handle the pathway for people who did not want to go to jail. Residential treatment was mandated to shorten jail time or replace incarceration, it was a comprehensive program that worked in tandem with residential treatment programs. New pathways have been implemented such as outpatient treatment, MAT ( medicated assisted treatment) Tele-health for counseling – these pathways are positive for “continuum of care” but not to replace the on-site intensive, structured programs that involve individual and group therapy, AA NA meetings, case management which coordinate and work on life skills, education, job skills, legal issues, etc. to help create a pathway for long term recovery.
How the community can help: Support our events, follow us on social media, like share or comment, or share success stories.
If people would like to learn more, who should they contact or where can they go for more info: Call or email: CEO, Pamela Huntley pamela.huntley@themeganhouse.org
Website is www.themeganhouse.org
Admissions or referrals – Program Director Angela Copeman
angela.copeman@themeganhouse.org
Megans House: 978-455-6973
What is the best way to make monetary donations: Donations on our website; checks can be mailed to our Dracut office or Venmo us at: TheMeganHouse-FoundationInc
