when a mother reaches out for treatment, it needs to be there

written and directed by
Rory Kennedy and Robin Smith

edited by
Bob Kanner

original music
Michael Josephs

PLAY NOW
Women of Substance is a documentary/educational outreach project narrated by Joanne Woodward on the struggles and triumphs of women addicts seeking treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.

“

Going through treatment with my son has given both of us the opportunity to grow. And he’s a constant reminder of me and my past. My whole life was centered in drugs and alcohol. I knew nothing else. No matter how much people would try to tell me, I didn’t hear. I couldn’t hear. I couldn’t see. I want to be successful with him, you know. I want to be the mommy that he deserves, and I can do that one day at a time.

Mother in Recovery
When a mother reaches out for treatment, it needs to be there, to seize her willingness to change and provide her and her family with the tools they need for recovery.

Family Advocate
”

Women of Substance was initially broadcast on WETA and WNET Public Television Stations and subsequently aired on hundreds of public television affiliates, local networks, and community access stations across the country. Primary funding was provided by:

  • MetLife Foundation
  • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
  • Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation
  • March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation

HONORS and AWARDS

  • Gold Award for Excellence in Television Programming, CPB
  • Gold CINDY, Special Achievement for Directing
  • Silver Award, Houston WorldFest International Festival
  • Bronze Chris Award, Columbus International Film Festival
  • Central Florida Film and Video Festival
  • Hot Springs International Documentary Festival
  • International Feature Market (New York)