For many mothers battling addiction, recovery often comes with an unbearable cost—being separated from their children. At the JoAnn Birge Women and Children’s Center in Walton County, moms get the chance to heal while staying with their babies, creating space for recovery and reunification.

For Sara Derbas, that chance meant everything. Sara began struggling with addiction as a child growing up in a home marked by instability. By age 8, she had already started using drugs.

Despite early attempts at rehab—even before her teenage years—Sara’s addiction deepened. She describes surviving violence, homelessness and multiple relapses. At one point, she lost nearly everything, including custody of her daughter.

The turning point came when she was pregnant again. After giving birth while homeless and in active addiction, she was told she could keep her newborn only if she found a program that accepted both of them. In August 2024, she found the JoAnn Birge Women and Children’s Center, one of the few programs in Florida that allows mothers and infants to stay together during treatment.

“I reunified with her here at the center,” Sara said. “It means everything to have her here.”

The residential program offers a supportive, home-like environment, complete with a kitchen, laundry room and playroom. While the minimum stay is 90 days, many moms continue their recovery journey with us for up to a year. During that time, they work together to run the household, while staff help prepare them for life after treatment with job readiness training and housing support.

“We keep moms and babies together, which is crucial for the child’s attachment. Having their children around also helps motivate mothers to keep going along their treatment journey,” said Tia Guidry, director of Lakeview Center of Walton County.

Sara says the center not only gave her sobriety but also restored her hope. “I’ve learned the importance of good sober connections, and that a strong support system is the key to sobriety,” she said.

After being clean for more than 400 days, Sara is working, has secured an apartment and is preparing to reunite with her second child. Most importantly, she feels her recovery is grounded in lasting change. “They really do go above and beyond more so than any other program I’ve been in,” she said. “I honestly feel like I’m going to make it this time.”

At Lakeview Center, we’re honored to walk alongside women like Sara on their journey to recovery. While we provide essential care and support for mothers struggling with substance misuse, many of the supplies needed for their children at the Women and Children’s Center—like diapers, clothing and baby formula—aren’t reimbursable expenses. These needs are met thanks to the kindness of our community.

If you’d like to make a difference, please consider donating.