Mission: To support persons in recovery by improving their access to safe, stable residences with peer and community support.
Vision: Adequate housing for all individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder.
Why: People are dying mid-stream of their recovery process because they often do not have a place to live safely, a place to socialize with others in recovery. Peers are not closely available to help with and share the difficulties as well as the successes of recovery, to give them hope. They need to develop greater accountability and gain a sense of empowerment.
Goal: Is to provide homes for all those in recovery that do not have a safe, stable residence to live. In. There is a great need for these homes in Rockland County due to the current healthcare crisis of substance use disorders. A safe, stable residence is a critical part of a successful recovery process because it provides a place to live and work with others towards the goal of a productive life back in their community. Peer and community support are important. They will share common struggles and learn skills to prepare themselves to move forward. Support in, witnessing and socializing with others as they succeed in this process will give each resident hope and empowerment, critical to their success.
Our plan is to provide housing that meets or exceeds the standards of The National Association of Recovery Residences. RRH will operate the homes in a similar manner as the Oxford House organization which claims a success rate of 80%. We will provide information on all the support systems in the area. Education and training of the residents will be addressed as well.
Our greatest asset currently is our board of directors, qualified to manage all business operations and proper management of the homes They are experienced with the issues of SUD, operating businesses and are passionate about helping RRH succeed.
Opportunities: Rockland Recovery Homes is currently the only organization established to provide homes for people in recovery in Rockland County. RRH is being established at a time when an increasing number of people working at recovery will need this option available to increase their chances to succeed. The public is learning more about the healthcare crisis of SUDs. People are advocating for reducing the stigma of addiction through multiple organizations. National and local governments are getting on board to support the many programs of the recovery process.
Roadblocks: As we are a new organization, we do not have a financial background to obtain mortgages. We also need to deal with a common attitude of “not-in-my backyard” which requires education and examples of positive findings. There are also a large amount of other not-for-profit organizations in the county requesting funding. Grants are generally not offered to startup organizations.
Current status:
- Rockland Recovery Homes is a 501c3 organization
- Registered as a not-for-profit with the N.Y.S. State Division of Corporations and State Records
- Registered as a charitable Organization with the NY State Department of Law (Office of the Attorney General)
- Has Exempt Organization Certificate Number
- Established By-Laws
- Official Business Plan
- RRH is closely associated with other organization that have the qualifications and experience to assist in ensuring proper operation of the homes.
- Membership in Continuum of Care Rockland
- Established a diversified board of directors qualified to manage all business operations and proper management of the homes.
- Code of Ethics and Standard of Operation have been developed.
- The purpose and goals of RRH have been made known to many agencies, departments and persons in government positions in Rockland County
- Extensive research on successful recovery homes in the nation as well as organizations such as the National Association of Recovery Homes and Oxford House.
What needs to get done:
- RRH needs funds to improve and maintain the old residences we have obtained for our recovery homes.
- Funding is needed to expand our services as there is a significant need for more recovery homes in the lower Hudson Valley to assist a growing number of people in their recovery process.
Principles for Success in Recovery
Choice—Services must be tailored to meet individual needs and be flexible and open to modification as the person moves forward in his/her recovery.
Voice—“Nothing about us without us” People in recovery have direct involvement in planning and carrying out programs and services. One way of giving access to members is “open chair” meetings held weekly.
Empowerment—Educate and empower members to make their own informed choices in matters affecting their lives and to accept responsibility for those choices. Helping members to seek and secure employment is critical to attain meaningful self-sufficiency.
Dignity and Respect—All services and all communications should be built on tangible evidence of dignity and respect for all involved.
Hope—Recovery of hope is essential for recovery from addiction, co-occurring psychiatric disorders and life trauma. Living in safe, affordable housing is a strong affirmation that “good things can happen to me”
Life success for homeless individuals and families impacts positively on multiple generations and on communities.
RRH Organizational Values
- Collaborative
- Cooperative
- Optimistic
- Effective Communication
- Innovative
- Proactive
- Persistent
- Continuous learners
- Customer Centered
- Respectful
- Responsive
- Solution Driven
- Professional
- Results driven
- Dedicated
- Knowledge and experience based
- Trustworthy
- Fair
- Transparent
- Truthful