The Basics
The Secure Organization Building Educational Recovery Inc, called SOBER.org for short, is a sober living organization for men located in Galax, a city in Virginia known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. SOBER was founded in 2007 by Michael Edwards, who has been clean and sober since 2002. Edwards was inspired to be of service to fellow alcoholics and addicts after he read an excerpt from Richard Walker’s Twenty-Four Hours a Day.
Accommodations and Amenities
SOBER.org accommodates 15 men inside a large brick house. Clients are typically paired in furnished, double-occupancy rooms. The house includes a large dining room, fully equipped kitchen, computer room and common areas.
The men are responsible for their own groceries, and meal preparation. Amenities include cable, laundry, and house computers with Wi-Fi. Edwards and his wife, Karen, reside on the premises in a mobile home adjacent to the facility.
Rules and Regulations
Potential clients must have undergone detox. Edwards looks for clients who are serious about their recovery, and are willing to go to any lengths to stay clean and sober. A one-year minimum length of stay is required. One of the requirements at SOBER.org is getting a full-time job during the first two weeks. Additionally, clients have to work day shifts, unless staff approves otherwise. If residents work during the evenings, their curfew is adjusted accordingly.
Clients must attend 90 12-step meetings, within 90 days. After that time, weekly meeting requirements are reassigned depending on clients’ needs. Sponsors and home groups must be acquired within two weeks of arrival. Clients are also encouraged to incorporate church services as part of their weekly meeting requirements. Typically, the men work during the day, and go to meetings or church at night. Besides working, and going to meetings or church, the men have to do four hours of volunteer work per month. This enforces the concept of giving back to the community.
Performance of household chores is also required. If for any reason, a client is home all day, he is responsible for the day’s chores. Random drug and alcohol screenings are conducted. At SOBER.org, a zero tolerance policy is enforced. Residents who relapse must leave the premises immediately to ensure the safety of the entire household. The curfew is 11 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Extras
Other services besides housing include on-site computer courses and money management, including assistance with opening checking accounts, so that residents can learn how to budget money and pay their rent on time. Michael Edwards has worked as a counselor at Life Center of Galax, and his wife, Karen Edwards, who is presently on staff, is a Master’s-level CSAC.
An campfire AA meeting is held at the facility Saturdays at eight pm.
In Summary
At SOBER.org, clients really get a chance to work their steps, and have the option of incorporating church services into their schedules. Besides maintaining abstinence from drugs and alcohol and working a 12-step program, clients are steered towards becoming contributing members of society. This is a great option for those willing to work—both at the steps and a job. With the guidance of Edwards, this is a great choicer men seeking a structured 12-step environment.
SOBER.org.
1648 Pipers Gap Rd
Galax, VA 24333
SOBER.org Cost: $400 (30 days, not including a $100 admission fee). Reach SOBER.org by phone at (276) 237-6889 or by email at mike@s-o-b-e-r.org. Find SOBER.org on Facebook
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Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
