On September 16th, 38 Crossroads for Women clients, alumnae and staff set sail on a 74-foot Maine built windjammer named Frances. This is the 5th year that Maine Sailing Adventures generously hosted the sunset sail on the beautiful waters of Casco Bay.
Each year, the halfway house plans the trip and invites other clients from the agency, staff, former clients and their own family and friends. After the sail, they shared their thoughts on the experience of the sail and what it meant to them.
Most all of the halfway house clients said the trip was relaxing and a great way to connect with other women. Many noted that it was a good example of how to have “sober fun,” something that one woman said she never knew could be possible until coming into treatment.
The sail was also a good bonding experience for everyone who attended. There were opportunities to work together to lift sails up and help the crew. Some of the women in treatment brought their moms on the cruise. While they may still be working on mending relationships, those clients said it was helpful for their mothers to see other women that are going through the same thing they are going through.
Clients were especially grateful to have the chance to spend time with former Crossroads clients. Seeing alumnae gave them hope that they could maintain their sobriety after treatment and lead a healthy lifestyle. They noted that those former clients didn’t have to be there. They were there because they wanted to be there. And they even shared their own experiences with treatment and recovery.
Personal connections are so important for women, which is why part of Crossroads for Women’s treatment philosophy focuses on positive relationships, and a sail like this is much more than just a fun thing to do on a September evening.
