Hitchcock Center for Women Breaks Ground on New $27M Facility to Expand Recovery Services for Mothers

The Hitchcock Center for Women marked a major milestone today with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new 77,000-square-foot residential treatment and recovery facility in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood. Located on the center’s Ansel Road campus, the new project is a bold step toward expanding access to addiction recovery services for women—especially pregnant and parenting mothers.

The event was attended by leaders from the Cleveland Clinic, State of Ohio, City of Cleveland, and Cuyahoga County, all celebrating this historic moment of transformation for one of the region’s most impactful treatment centers.

A Legacy of Family-Centered Recovery

Founded in 1978 by nurse and addiction prevention advocate Jayne Mazzarella, the Hitchcock Center for Women has grown from a 10-bed halfway house into a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment center. Each year, the center serves over 300 women, offering both residential and outpatient care for substance use disorders.

Uniquely, the center remains the only residential addiction program in Cuyahoga County that allows mothers to live on-site with their children up to age 12—supporting family unity during the recovery process.

A Vision Realized Through Community Support

“As we break ground on this new facility, we are filled with hope and determination,” said Jason Joyce, President and CEO of the Hitchcock Center for Women. “This campus is designed to be a place where healing begins, and lives are rebuilt.”

The $27 million project includes:

• Construction of 53 permanent supportive housing units
• 42 new residential treatment beds for women
• Renovation of the existing 95,000-square-foot facility

These upgrades will allow the Hitchcock Center to double the number of mothers served annually.

Comprehensive, Trauma-Informed Services

The Hitchcock Center takes a holistic, trauma-informed approach to recovery. Recognizing the impact of homelessness, domestic violence, and abuse on addiction, the center provides services that meet women where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Services include:

• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Relapse prevention and aftercare planning
• Job readiness and peer support services
• Therapeutic arts programs including art and music therapy

More than 60% of patients served at the center are mothers, and nearly 20% bring their children to live with them throughout treatment.

Partnering for Long-Term Change

“Cleveland Clinic is committed to supporting initiatives that improve lives, especially where substance abuse impacts social determinants of health,” said Vickie Eaton Johnson, Chief Community Officer at Cleveland Clinic. “This expansion supports our efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality in Northeast Ohio and connect families to care.”

Designed with Community Input

Patients and community members played a key role in the design process. Through multiple focus groups and planning sessions, participants helped shape the space to ensure that it’s functional, welcoming, and meets the needs of women and children on their journey to recovery.

“Their contributions have helped us create a space that truly serves its purpose,” said Joyce.

Investing in Recovery, Rebuilding Lives

Funding for the expansion comes from several local partners, including:

• ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County
• Cleveland Clinic
• City of Cleveland
• Cuyahoga County
• The Finch Group

Construction is expected to be completed by June 2025, positioning the Hitchcock Center for Women to expand its legacy of compassionate, life-changing care.

About the Hitchcock Center for Women

The Hitchcock Center for Women provides residential and outpatient treatment services for women struggling with substance use disorders. With a focus on keeping families together, the center empowers women to rebuild their lives, restore their health, and return to their communities stronger than ever.