From Hope House Client to Staff Member: A Success Story Posted on October 2, 2026October 2, 2026 Since 1990, the Service League of San Mateo County’s Hope House has provided 24/7 residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and mental health services for pregnant, postpartum and new mothers. The program houses up to 16 women and four infants in two side-by-side homes in Redwood City. Our evidence-based, gender-specific groups offer up-to-date tools to address SUD and other harmful behaviors, focusing on overall client health. We work closely with courts, probation, parole and Children and Family Services to resolve legal issues and reunify clients with their children. Many clients are introduced to Hope House while incarcerated at the San Mateo County jail. Through the Service League’s in-custody group “Hope Inside,” they learn that a new life in recovery is possible. Potential clients are interviewed while incarcerated and coordinated with after release for a warm handoff into the program. “I was interviewed in the jail and offered a spot at Hope House. Even though I had to go to Santa Clara County first, they kept in touch and when I got out, there was a bed waiting for me,” says Alma B., a transitional resident who spent 90 days at Hope House. “Having discipline and structure in my life really helped me, and knowing that there are services after to continue the support like transitional housing.” After treatment, graduates can access free services through our groups and open-door policy. Qualifying alumni may move into our transitional housing, which supports residents’ long-term goals with case management and recovery-based involvement in the community. Alma now works as Hope House Support Staff and a Bilingual Recovery Coach at Voices of Recovery. “Being part of the Hope House community has opened a lot of doors for me,” she says. “It’s a privilege to give back. I can show clients that if I can do it, they can too.” Learn more at serviceleague.org, call 650-364-4664, or email info@serviceleague.org. By Anna Zaretski, MPA, Executive Director Pictured from left to right: Janice Matre, Hope House Program Manager, Alma B., and Sydney Friera, Hope House Transitional Case Manager.