Francine Feinberg (Meta House)
Overview
Francine Feinberg is a notable figure in the field of substance abuse treatment, particularly recognized for her work with Meta House, a renowned agency that provides treatment for women and their children dealing with substance use disorders. Feinberg served as the Executive Director of Meta House and significantly contributed to its development into a national model for gender-specific treatment programs. Her pioneering efforts in considering the unique challenges faced by women with substance abuse issues have made lasting impacts in the field.
Recent Developments
Despite retiring from Meta House in 2012, Francine Feinberg's legacy continues to influence the organization's development. The following are developments related to Meta House and its continued growth, reflecting Feinberg's lasting impact:
- October 3, 2023: Meta House was planning to relocate its offices in April 2024, a move impacting approximately 10 employees. This relocation reflects the organization's ongoing adaptation to better serve the community.
- 2023: Meta House continued to be a leader in addiction treatment for women, maintaining high success rates compared to other residential treatment programs.
- September 1, 2023: James Hammond joined Meta House as Chief Operating Officer, indicating a strategic move to strengthen the leadership for future challenges.
- January 1, 2023: Moriah Iverson was named Chief Operating Officer at Meta House, showcasing continued leadership transitions aiming at maintaining and enhancing service quality.
During these times, Meta House has not only expanded its service offerings but also continued its commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of women recovering from substance abuse issues, a vision initially set forth by Francine Feinberg.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francine Feinberg |
| Born | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former Executive Director |
| Known For | Leadership at Meta House |
| Education | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (MA in Social Work) |
Early Life and Education
Francine Feinberg was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Her early aspirations were centered around the arts, specifically ballet, which led her to move to Milwaukee to study ballet at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. While pursuing her interest in dance, Feinberg discovered a deeper calling in social work and psychology. She switched her academic focus and eventually earned a master's degree in psychiatric social work in 1976. Furthering her commitment to the field, she achieved a doctoral degree in psychology, which equipped her with the necessary skills to lead transformative social work initiatives.
Feinberg's upbringing in a culturally vibrant environment and her academic journey reflect her diverse interests and her dedication to addressing societal issues through innovative approaches. Her shift from a potential career in dance to one in social work demonstrates a lifelong commitment to bettering the lives of others.
Career and Notable Achievements
Francine Feinberg's career is marked by her transformative leadership at Meta House:
- 1983: Feinberg became the Executive Director of Meta House, which, under her leadership, expanded significantly in scope and impact.
- 1998: Meta House began collaborations with job-training programs and launched outpatient treatment programs for women, reflecting Feinberg's innovative approach to holistic treatment.
- 2004: Francine Feinberg received the Women's and Children's Substance Treatment Innovator Award.
- 2009: She was celebrated as a Woman of Influence in Nonprofit Leadership by the Milwaukee Business Journal.
- 2012: Feinberg retired after 29 years of leadership, having transformed Meta House into a critical provider for women and children.
These milestones illustrate Feinberg's robust contributions to improving substance abuse treatment methodologies, especially for women.
Current Work and Impact
Though retired, Francine Feinberg's impact persists through the continued success of Meta House. Her emphasis on incorporating family dynamics and addressing trauma in substance abuse treatment has set new standards nationally and globally. Meta House remains influential, acting as a template for similar treatments across various locales. Feinberg's work has elevated awareness of the distinct needs of women in addiction treatment.
Conclusion
Francine Feinberg's pioneering efforts in the realm of substance abuse treatment have left an indelible mark on the field. Through her leadership at Meta House, she championed innovative treatment models that integrate comprehensive care for women and their children, addressing mental health and trauma-related issues. Her work not only improved countless lives but also reshaped industry standards globally, ensuring her legacy continues to foster positive societal change.