Word: mandelas
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...Mandela House these days is home to four mothers and their babies and three mothers-to-be. Residents receive prenatal care, drug counseling, classes in child development, personal finances and career guidance. They also share child care, housecleaning and cooking. "Mine is reality treatment," says Thomas. "I'm trying to put some order in their lives." Women are referred to Mandela House from jail, court and county protective services. The program is funded by the county, a private grant and donations...
...Thomas. Longtime residents express unfettered affection for their tall, slim mentor, dressed today in a red jumpsuit, brown tweed jacket, black high heels and silver bracelets. "She doesn't judge you from what others say, she judges you from what you say and do," says Monique Gray, a Mandela House veteran of one year. "You can't fool % Minnie," four-month resident Patricia Rodgers admits...
When Beverly Dynes, now seven months pregnant, had been in Mandela House for only one month, she confided, "I keep asking myself, 'If I was back out on the streets and offered some rocks, what would I say?' Before, my answer would be 'yes!' But now it's 'probably.' God, that's a big step." Another woman responded, "Amen." But Thomas' steady message, then as now, is "You say you're better, but just how much better are you?" She tells the groups, "You've got to remind yourself every day why you're here because the closer you come...
Mothers at Mandela House have more than addiction in common. They're mostly poor and black. All have other children in family and foster homes. Beatings by boyfriends and husbands were regular. What brought their world crashing down was an out-of-control lust for the intense feelings of power and well- being that flow from a hit of crack. "Crack has taken away these women's pride," says Thomas. "By the time they find their way here, they'll beg, steal and trade their bodies to the dope man for more." The mothers uneasily deny that their babies were...
Thomas' rules are as unforgiving as the deadly streets of East Oakland. Drugs, violence and profanity are outlawed. Mothers cannot leave the Mandela House grounds during their first 30 days; trips to doctors' appointments or court dates must be made with Thomas or one of her small staff. Residents are randomly tested for drugs. Eventually, women can earn short leaves, phone calls and family visits. School and jobs follow when the resident and Thomas agree it's time...