By Neva Cochran, Longtime Supporter of The Magdalen House
I first learned about The Magdalen House 20 years ago when it was a somewhat dilapidated house in East Dallas with only one paid staff member and most of the work was accomplished by amazing volunteers. I have seen miracles happen at The Magdalen House. Women, who have lost everything– family, friends, homes, cars, jobs– and tried everything to get sober without success, have come to Maggie’s and found a home, friends, God and a new, life in recovery they love.
Women, who have lost everything– family, friends, homes, cars, jobs– and tried everything to get sober without success, have come to Maggie’s and found a home, friends, God and a new, life in recovery they love.
That’s because the First Step program doesn’t just provide a no-cost 14 day residential alcohol recovery program, but also an array of support and follow-up services to helps women maintain sobriety once they leave. And even more than that, it is a loving, caring and compassionate family environment for the women who stay there.
I’ve witnessed the reach of The Magdalen House expand dramatically over the years.
I’ve witnessed the reach of The Magdalen House expand dramatically over the years.
The more recently-launched Next Step program offers a 3-phase structured alternative to traditional out-patient treatment. It is available at no cost for any alcoholic woman at any stage of recovery. Beyond these two programs, there are meetings, groups and other resources for any alcoholic woman and her loved ones.
Over the years, I’ve contributed financially, with item donations, and also with my time. I’ve given items for the former garage sale, my dining room table for the old house when I purchased a new one, served on the Development Committee to raise money for Maggie’s, and, as a registered dietitian nutritionist, I was asked a few years ago to present two classes for alumnae about healthy eating and grocery shopping. For several years now I’ve also made monthly recurring donations by auto-debit and the past three years have contributed matching funds for North Texas Giving Day to help generate additional giving. One of my proudest gifts was to the capital campaign that funded the beautiful new home that was completed in 2021, allowing more women to be served and other services to be provided. Luke 12:34 reads, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
One of my proudest gifts was to the capital campaign that funded the beautiful new home that was completed in 2021, allowing more women to be served and other services to be provided. Luke 12:34 reads, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This scripture passage truly describes charitable giving for me. The non-profits and philanthropies I support are those I am passionate about– their purpose, their mission, and the individuals they serve and The Magdalen House is definitely one of those.
When I am inspired by an organization, in addition to my “treasure,” I want to give of my time and talent as well. From the first time I learned about and visited the Magdalen House, I was inspired by it. I love doing anything I can to support the recovery of the women at Maggie’s as I have been so richly blessed in my life.
