A major challenge facing many individuals attempting to abstain from substances is finding a stable living environment that supports sustained recovery. Access Foundation provides affordable supported housing in the form of sober living residences that are alcohol and drug-free.
Our goal for the individual is to contribute to stable employment, wellness, and to reduce the overall risk of recidivism in the jail or prison system or relapse into substance abuse and mental illness. The Stable Environment Model provides the support necessary for residents to achieve long-term recovery and lead lives of dignity and maximum independence, reducing the over-reliance on institutional care, corrections, and shelters as warehouses for vulnerable individuals.
When you're incarcerated and need a home, or you're ready to choose recovery, call us and find out what steps you should take to get into a house. If you find yourself a bit "short" on cash, there may be solutions available to help you. Our goal is to get you into the house, not keep you out. We'll get you on the right track with the support you need. We can answer your questions for you and connect you with house managers. We'll tell you what you might expect, and can guide you through the process.
When your system identifies someone who needs structured recovery support, we’re equipped to receive them — and to keep you informed about their progress. Our 13% recidivism rate means that clients referred to us are dramatically less likely to return to your docket.
Keeps track of house meeting minutes, updates board, tracks vacancies, ensures all residents have an active mentor or sponsor. Acts as House Manager in the manager’s absence.
House money is distributed back to the house from rent received. House accountant does the shopping for the house based on needs voted on during the house meeting. UA money is collected and managed. Reports are given during the house meeting.
The Chore Advisor conducts inspections, distributes responsibilities, and ensures there are sufficient cleaning supplies in the house. Coordinates deep cleans and makes sure filters and vacuums are clean serviced.
The obstacle to real recovery is not the pain of hitting bottom, but the absence of hope, connectedness, and potential for fulfillment. The catalytic turning point for those with depleted recovery capital is more likely to be one of seeing an achievable top than hitting bottom.
Senior Research Consultant at Chestnut Health Systems, past-chair of the board of Recovery Communities United
We believe that the essence of recovery is a lived experience of improved life quality and a sense of empowerment; that the principles of recovery focus on the central ideas of hope, choice, freedom and aspiration that are experienced rather than diagnosed, and occur in real-life settings rather than in the rarefied atmosphere of clinical settings.
Professor of Criminology in the Department of Law and Criminology at Sheffield Hallam University
Research has found that people with full-time jobs reported having the lowest levels of depression and stress; they also tended to eat the healthiest foods and ranked lowest for unhealthy food consumption. People holding down full-time employment enjoyed the most physical activity and reported the lowest levels of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.
Associate Professor in the NYC Psychology department at Pace University.
We believe that the essence of recovery is a lived experience of improved life quality and a sense of empowerment; that the principles of recovery focus on the central ideas of hope, choice, freedom and aspiration that are experienced rather than diagnosed, and occur in real-life settings rather than in the rarefied atmosphere of clinical settings.
After excluding those that do not stay past the “screening” phase (the first 30 days), we have an average stay of approximately 10 months. Our goal is to have an average stay closer to 12 months based on the “retention effect”. Keeping people sober for one year will greatly increase their chances of remaining sober for five years.
The bad news is that alcohol or drug use cannot be tolerated in a home where everyone else is struggling through their own recovery. But the good news is that everyone in the house is a product of second chances, they tend to be very forgiving. If a resident relapses, they are evicted immediately, but their bed is held for them for 72 hours. If they can come back and test negative, they can have their bed back. There are additional failsafe circumstances whereby a bed might be held for a week. Beyond a week, the resident will have to re-apply for admission and will forfeit the remainder of their rent and their deposit.
Each residential support location requires a city business license which includes an annual inspection from the fire department. The State health department conducts an annual inspection and we are required to renew our state license with the Department of Human Services annually.
Residents are required to find a job and maintain employment during their stay. Only a very small percentage do not find work within 30 days. We think this success has to do with several factors. First, a critical mass of residents (12 or more) that have work, refer new residents to recovery friendly employers. Also, there is some inherent social and employment skill transfer taking place within the culture of the home itself. After 30 days, residents tend to be more competent in these areas.
Continued abstinence and lasting change are consequences that have followed their commitment to recovery.
