Women recovering from substance abuse and incarceration have unique needs, and recovery programs differ in the ways they help women succeed.
According to the National Association of Recovery Residences (NARR), women’s recovery housing can be described along a continuum of four levels. Level I is peer-run programs. Level II includes monitored sober-living homes. Level III describes supervised recovery housing. And, Level IV includes residential treatment housing.
As a certified Level III recovery home, Lydia’s Home offers a unique curriculum-based and faith-centered approach to women’s recovery that provides layers of supports to foster long-term success. This multi-layer approach aligns with recommendations by the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health, Family Services Providers, and the Center for Social Innovation.
This kind of program is also the most difficult to fund. And, requires collaboration with established systems of care and community members.
“Establishing Lydia’s Home presented an incredible opportunity to collaborate with the City of Green including the Mayor’s office and the city’s Opioid Task Force,” said Dennis Shawhan, Executive Director of Broken Chains Ministry. “We purchased a home in a suburban residential area, and we wanted city officials and the community to understand our commitment to being good neighbors. Renovating the home, restoring the property, and welcoming visitors to meet the staff and residents has been an important part of that process, which ultimately builds awareness, relationships, and trust.”
Based upon Restorative Justice principles that view crime as an act against the people, communities, and relationships rather than a crime against the state, Lydia’s Home strives to support women by providing:
Formalized substance abuse recovery that includes coping skills and relapse prevention
A 60-day curriculum-based life formation study series
Identity restoration and guidance in the payment of fines, restitution, and court costs
Financial literacy training including budgeting, saving, and investing
Workforce readiness and GED preparedness
Family-reunification support
“Our hope is that Lydia’s Home will not only support our residents, but will serve as a model for other communities that want to implement a community- and faith-centered approach to women’s residential recovery that works,” Shawhan noted.
Learn more and meet our staff here.