Program areas at Welcome House
In 2023, the Welcome House program directly served 542 men in the residential sober-living recovery program. At admission, and upon entering the program, all new residents were struggling with active drug and/or alcohol addiction (15.15% alcoholism, 30.91% drug addiction, 53.94% both alcoholism and drug addiction). A significant number were also dealing with associated problems such as poverty, homelessness, mental illness, legal consequences and marital or family issues. 74% of the residents reported prior incarceration and a few were court-ordered to complete the program. All fell into one or more of the following categories: son, grandson, brother, father, husband, uncle, or grandfather. The following program and recovery accomplishments were achieved in 2023: * 466 Intakes * 542 Men Served * Collected $718+K in Program Participation Fees * Continued to Employee Men in the Rehabilitative Jobs Program (via 15-25 short-term program and facility support positions) * Program Participants earned $37+K in Room and Board Days by Participating in the Jumpstart and COVID-19 emergency employment assistance programs * Provided Residents and Welcome House Alumni with access to more than 2,000 Twelve Step Recovery Meetings and Rehabilitative Classes (in-person & virtual) * Continued Ancillary Programs such as: Thrive Aftercare (for recent program graduates) & Restore (for resident family, loved ones and significant others) * Earned almost $600+ in Operational Grant Awards * Continued delivering the "New Program Paradigm" based on best and evidence-based practices, incorporating clinical assessments and referrals, technology, and a collaborative continuing care team approach. The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated vulnerabilities in our society, especially for individuals and families struggling with addiction and mental health disorders. The stress and isolation caused by the pandemic have contributed to a surge in all forms of substance abuse. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the critical demand for addiction services is evident through record-breaking call volumes to crisis hotlines and a historical increase in the number of overdose-related deaths, alcohol-related traffic deaths, and suicide attempts. Numerous studies indicate that intensive residential programs lasting more than three months, coupled with evidence-based, wrap-around support services, are the linchpin for ensuring self-sustainability and lifelong sobriety. In addition to directly supporting the men residing in the facility and participating in the recovery program, the impact of the Welcome House program is significant and far-reaching; Saving Lives: We provide a lifeline to individuals battling addiction, offering them the tools and resources needed to overcome their challenges and regain control of their lives. Access to such intervention programming can mean the difference between life and death for many. Reducing Healthcare Costs: Addiction recovery can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Treating health-related issues early at our Recovery Center can prevent costly emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and other healthcare expenses associated with untreated conditions. Economic Productivity: Individuals in recovery can become productive members of society, contributing to the workforce, and reducing the economic burden of addiction-related unemployment and dependence on public assistance programs. Strengthening Communities: Communities thrive when individuals in recovery are successfully reintegrated. With our rehabilitative programs, we help reduce crime rates, improve neighborhood safety, and foster a sense of social cohesion. Breaking the Stigma: Supporting individuals with substance use disorders and their loved ones sends a powerful message that addiction is a health issue deserving of compassion and treatment, rather than stigma and discrimination. Over the past 12 months, the Welcome House continued to execute the facility improvement and program alignment strategic plan. This plan included addressing existing capacity and physical/ structural constraints, completing a $14.2M+ capital campaign and finishing the new building construction and existing facility demolition. In July of 2023, the Welcome House officially opened its new 28,000 sq ft facility, with construction of Phase 2 (external parking and amenities) expected to conclude in October of 2024. Welcome House has raised over $12M in capital funds and will continue these projects/ initiatives throughout 2024. Welcome House will also continue to build licensed/ certified staff to address the needs of program participants.