"Our Program"
Founded in 1974, the Women's Odyssey Organization, Inc. operates a supportive home for women whose lives have become unmanageable due to alcohol/drug addiction. Odyssey House provides a social model residential treatment program based on the 12-step recovery program of Alcoholics Anonymous. The duration of our program is six to nine months.
Located in a quiet San Fernando Valley residential neighborhood, Odyssey House presents a cheerful, warm, homelike atmosphere, accommodating 10 residents. We are close to business complexes, shopping malls, places of worship and public transportation. From the outside, Odyssey House appears to be just another nice place to live. Inside, we are changing lives. Regardless of a woman's background, she is never turned away if she is willing to maintain sobriety.
Women's Odyssey Needs Volunteers!
The Women's Odyssey is always in need of volunteers for repairs, maintenance, living skills classes, giving our Executive Director a break, and much, much more.
Please call Linda at 818-998-8972 or email her at lindae@womensodyssey.org for more info.
"Some Words From the Director"
Sitting behind an earthquake condemned building, having drank a bottle of Amrita, a bottle of wine, taken 42 Xanax, an exhaust hose running from the pipe to inside the car & a suicide note by my side, I wanted to die. It was not even about drinking any more, I accepted the fact that I would die drunk and it was OK. That night I was taken to a hospital, and woke up in Van Nuys jail for a ticket that had gone to warrant. After getting out of jail several hours later my 2 grown children, with love in their heart & hurt in their head, stood before and said, “ Not 1 more hour, 1 more minute, 1 more second will we contribute to you killing yourself with your drinking and drugs. We are fully prepared to walk away from you”, on the other hand “ we are prepared to go to the ends of the earth to get you help, there is no in between any more”. I looked at them, not having any idea of the plan or what was to be, with no intention of staying sober, I agreed. My daughter said, she had contacted a place “Odyssey House “and they had a bed available but I need to be 3 days sober. My children paid for me to stay in a motel because I could not be trusted in their homes and had broken so many promises before. For 3 days, I cried, I shook, but I did not use or drink. On my 4th day my daughter came to pick me up and took me to Odyssey. Pulling in the drive way, on that rainy, rainy, January day , my mind racing, I had no idea where my life was going, or meant to be.
That was then and this is now…………….
13 years later, I have the honor and privilege of returning to the Women’s Odyssey organization as Executive Director. During those years, I have reestablished by relationship with many, including my children. I have an 11 year old granddaughter that has never seen her “Grammy” drunk. My daughter & son-in law feel safe leaving me caring for their child and home with no concerns that when they return I might be drunk.
I have worked for Odyssey from 1998 to 2003 as director, then became instrumental in starting and developing an Outpatient program dealing specifically with women, youth and pregnant women struggling with addiction and have since returned as Executive Director of the Women's Odyssey Organiation. I have worked in the field of addiction for a little over 11 years, have completed the required addiction studies program, and I have been a certified drug and alcohol counselor for about 9 years. Additionally, as I feel committed to providing quality of services, I have continued my education and since 2004 have received certification as a Parent Educator, and Domestic Violence Specialist.
While working in the field of addiction there was always a missing link ...,my passion and dedication to Odyssey House, that's where my heart will always be. I am committed not only to others, but my personal recovery as well. I believe in the women from Odyssey that came before me, and the women who will come after me.
Given this opportunity I know DREAMS DO COME TRUE.
Linda L. Elliott CAS II
Executive Director
818-998-8972
Lindae@womensodyssey.org
