Cherlyn Martin, Women's Program Supervisor
"The New Directions Women's Program strives to empower women and restore their dignity in a caring and supportive environment."
Cherlyn Martin has been working in the field of social services for over 15 years, beginning her career at Ocean Park Community Center, a safe haven for homeless individuals in Santa Monica.
Cherlyn, who years ago found herself in the same situation as many of the clientele she works with, has never forgotten her past. After becoming sober and reuniting with her family, she went back to school to get her degree and now lives by the mantra, “I teach to others what I need to learn.”
Cherlyn loves giving back in her spare time. She serves as a Board Member of the Westside Food Bank, hosts international students and volunteers at the Pan African Film Festival.
The New Directions Women's Program
The New Directions Women's Program is a place for female veterans who have served in any branch of the armed forces. The program is based in two residential homes in the Mar Vista area on the Westside of Los Angeles. The houses are divided according to phases of treatment.
Mitchell House is an emergency shelter, where residents may stay up to 90 days, before transitioning to our second phase house. In this first phase of treatment, women attend parenting and anger management classes, addiction and therapy groups and computer classes. Residents are able to further their education and resolve legal and/or financial issues. The second phase residence, Barrington House, is designed for veterans who are employed and/or going to school.
New Directions Women’s Program was the first program in the United States designed specifically for female veterans dealing with issues of homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, post-traumatic stress syndrome and other mental health issues.
All clients at the Women's Program houses have an on-site therapist. The two houses offer female veterans a safe place to turn their lives around and make constructive contributions to the community. The program integrates the Seeking Safety model, a trauma treatment initiative that was designed especially for women recovering from trauma and substance abuse. The program also has a long history of assisting clients in regaining custody of their children. Among other services, veterans who enter the New Directions Women’s Program are able to receive:
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Individual & Group Counseling
- Case Management and Advocacy
- Medical Assistance
- Legal Support
- Educational Opportunities
- Vocational Assistance
- Family Reunification
- Money Management
For more information about New Directions' Women's Program, please call Cherlyn Martin, Program Supervisor at (310) 914-4045, ext. 171, or (310) 709-5871.
For immediate 24-hour assistance, call New Directions' main telephone line at (310) 914-5966.
- Click here to learn about how the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is focusing on the challenges faced by female veterans.
- Female veterans in the Los Angeles area are now able to receive mammographies every Tuesday at the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center. For more information call the SACC Women's Comprehensive Healthcare Clinic at (818) 895-9555, or SACC Radiology at (818) 891-7711, ext. 9345.