Introducing The Majella Project: Improving the Lives of Children by Offering Hope to Pregnant Women Facing Substance Use Disorders

The James Barry-Robinson Institute (JBRI) has been dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families for over 90 years. With a long-standing commitment to providing support and resources, JBRI has played a vital role in creating positive impacts on communities. The Majella Project, an innovative and compassionate initiative, is set to launch on May 20, 2024. This intensive outpatient program is specifically designed to support pregnant women who are facing a substance use disorder so their unborn children can be born in a safe and stable environment. By partnering with experts in the field, The Majella Project aims to provide expectant mothers with the necessary resources, guidance, and skills to overcome addiction and embrace motherhood with optimism. Pregnancy is a transformative and vulnerable period in a woman’s life. For those struggling with substance use disorders, the journey becomes even more complex. The Majella Project recognizes the unique needs of these expectant mothers and seeks to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to their recovery and well-being. The program will offer a range of services including substance abuse recovery using the evidence-based curricula from The Change Companies including:

• Women in Recovery
• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Trauma in Life
• Strengthening My Parenting Skills

Through a combination of counseling, therapy, education, and support groups, participants will gain the tools and knowledge to address their addiction head-on. The Majella Project will also prioritize the physical and emotional health of the mothers and their babies, offering classes, hosted by experts, in prenatal care, nutritional guidance, and financial resources. These services will include, but are not limited to, lactation consultancy, car seat safety, and sleep safety.

The Majella Project will offer a supportive network that empowers women to break free from the cycle of addiction and build a brighter future for themselves and their children. “We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that journey begins before birth,” said Tim Webb, JBRI Outpatient Director. “By providing comprehensive support and guidance, we are confident that The Majella Project will make a lasting impact on the lives of these courageous women and their children.” The Majella Project is actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals dedicated to supporting pregnant women with substance use disorders. Together, we can create a community of care and compassion that transforms lives. For more information about The Majella Project and how to get involved, please visit JBRIVirginia.org, contact Vickie Butts at VButts@jbrivirginia.org, or call JBRI Outpatient Services at (757) 524-5585.

It is a bittersweet day at The Barry Robinson Center as we bid farewell to Mr. Willie Linn, a beloved member of the team for over 34 years. Willie’s retirement marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Center’s residents. Throughout his tenure, Willie has been an integral part of the recreation therapy department, bringing joy and laughter to the lives of countless young individuals. Whether it was organizing team-building activities, leading outdoor adventures, or simply lending a listening ear, Willie has had a profound impact on the lives of the residents he worked with. He instilled in them a sense of hope, resilience, and the belief that they could overcome any obstacle in their way.

Willie led the Scouting Troop, providing guidance and mentorship to the young scouts. Through community service projects and leadership development, he nurtured their potential and helped them discover their own strengths and abilities. Many of those scouts went on to achieve great things, thanks to Willie’s unwavering support and belief in their potential. However, Willie’s impact is not limited to the residents and scouts alone. He has a knack for recognizing the talents and potential of his fellow colleagues, and he took it upon himself to help them find their path in the field of behavioral health. Through his guidance and encouragement, he inspired and mentored numerous employees, helping them grow both personally and professionally. Willie’s ability to see the best in others and empower them to reach for their dreams is truly remarkable. Willie is more than just a colleague; he is a friend, a confidant, and a source of inspiration for all who have the privilege of knowing him. His warm smile, contagious laughter, and genuine care for others touch the hearts of everyone he encounters. He has a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for both staff and residents alike.

As the news of Willie’s retirement spread throughout the center, there was a collective sense of sadness and loss. The void left by his departure will be difficult to fill. But amidst the sadness, there is also a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the incredible impact he has made during his time at The Barry Robinson Center. Willie Linn is not just an employee; he is a guiding light, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of the transformative power of compassion and dedication.

His unwavering commitment to helping others find their path, his ability to uplift and empower those around him, and his immense heart will forever be cherished and remembered. As Willie embarks on this new chapter of his life, the residents, the staff, and the entire Barry Robinson Center community wish him nothing but the very best. They know that his impact will continue to live on in the countless lives he has touched and the wings he has given to so many. Willie Linn will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever be a part of the Center’s fabric, a reminder of the incredible impression one person can make on the lives of others.