New Directions for Women Celebrates 45 Years

New Directions for Women (NDFW) celebrated 45 years of service at their St. Patrick’s Day by the Bay, A Celebration of Recovery breakfast on March 17 at the Balboa Bay Resort. Donations are still coming in, but approximately $275K was generated by nearly 400 attendees (in-person and virtual) at the St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser in support of the nonprofit’s residential treatment for women and their children.

“We were so happy to return to a live event to celebrate New Directions for Women commitment to providing a safe and caring treatment environment for women and their children for 45 years. We’re grateful to our friends, sponsors and all attendees for their contributions to this year’s incredible fundraising efforts,” said New Directions for Women’s Foundation President and Chairperson Barbara Wiggs-Nelson.

Mark J. Thomas was the host for the annual Circle of Life fundraiser which featured a traditional Irish breakfast, special video messaging and inspirational alumnae speakers from the New Directions program.

Special recognition was given to the 2022 Amethyst Society recipients in three categories including Susan Meeks and Barbara Wiggs-Nelson (Volunteer); Howard and Katherine Bland and Judy Elmore (Investor); and Steve and Lois Mihaylo and Ceres Foundation (Patron).

A drawing for a stay at the Balboa Bay Resort was won by Sally Carbajal and event sponsors included Alera Group, Howard & Katherine Bland, Brown-Forman, Digital Intellect, Elmore Toyota, First Republic Bank, Nigro & Nigro, Proprius Medical Group and Rick & Tracy Weiner.

For more information about NDFW, visit www.newdirectionsforwomen.org. To view the event or make a donation, visit https://col2022.liveevent.space.

About New Directions for Women

Founded in 1977, New Directions for Women (NDFW) provides exceptional gender-specific addiction treatment services that are family-centered promoting healthy parenting, preventing domestic violence, and assisting in family reunification.

One of the country’s only nonprofit addiction facilities, NDFW was founded in part by Pamela Wilder with the support and assistance of the Junior League of Orange County. During a meeting, Pamela identified herself as a recovering alcoholic and asked for help and support in establishing a recovery program for women. With support from Marion Schoen, Muriel Zink, and Mrs. Betty Ford, NDFW’s addiction treatment program was created in response to a shortage of affordable and accessible rehabilitation treatment services for women suffering from alcoholism, substance use disorder and other related issues.

Since its inception, over 6,000 women and over 600 children have lived on campus, and more than 200 babies have been born to mothers completing their comprehensive program.

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