SoaringRecovery A housing program that helps women to reconnect with society Addiction treatment providers know you can’t just offer people the
“They band together and they’re really there for each other because they know how it feels to lose and to be in pain.” -Jean Jackson, house manager, SOAR program Making the change
tools to recover and expect them to always be successful. Treatment providers also know that it is beneficial to create an environment where recovery can flourish.That’s why UMADAOP Lucas County has developed a safe and supportive housing program that helps women face the challenges of daily life where they can focus on maintaining sobriety and achieving their ultimate goals. Comprehensive support
Residents in the SOAR program say they feel the benefits almost immediately.They say having a safe and structured environment helps them focus on their recovery, and the support they receive from staff and fellow residents helps them open up and be more honest about the challenges in their lives. “I feel very good, I feel like I have a good foundation,” says Mary Jo, a client in the SOAR program. “I have friends who are real friends and the program itself is very enlightening.” “I’ll tell you this, in the time that I’ve been here, I’ve received hope and encouragement and a lot of support,” says Laura, a resident in the SOAR program. “And also that feeling of safety and security, and the comfort of knowing if there are struggles, I can remain sober and make it to the other side.”
In 2014, UMADAOP Lucas County opened their first two group homes specifically designed for women in recovery from substance use.The “Safe Organized Accessible Recovery” housing program, known as SOAR, now comprises four facilities that each house 6-8 women at a time.The SOAR houses are staffed by full-time, live-in house managers. Each resident shares a room with one other person and the staff helps to educate clients on things like cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, time management and other life skills that help clients to build a foundation that will aid their recovery for the rest of their lives. “We want them to be self-reliant and self-responsible,” says Jean Jackson, one of the house managers who oversees all four SOAR houses. “So we teach them and assist them in learning how to do things that they’re not used to doing.” Before placement, prospective clients are interviewed to make sure they meet the program requirements. Each client is asked to commit to a year-long stay at SOAR to ensure full immersion in the program and to optimize their ability to achieve successful recovery.The residents must complete daily chores and follow the established rules and requirements as they work toward achieving independence and self-reliance.The staff routinely conduct house meetings where residents can share experiences and work through their difficulties as they develop positive bonds with each other. SOAR enables residents to form trusting and supportive bonds that helps the clients break through emotional barriers and fully embrace their recovery experiences. “They work very well together and that’s what we want them to do, it’s designed as a community,” Jackson says. “They band together and they’re really there for each other because they know how it feels to lose and to be in pain.”
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