The Basics
Founded in 2012 in St. Paul, Minnesota by Ann Costello Junge, who previously worked as a house manager for another local recovery home, True North Recovery provides sober living for women inside the Aurora House, a spacious Queen Ann Victorian home. Junge’s sobriety date is April 4, 2012. From her own personal experience, her belief is that safe and structured sober living homes allow clients to build a strong foundation in their recovery, as well as teach them accountability and life skills.
Accommodations and Amenities
The Aurora House, which was built in 1884, is part of a national register of historic homes. While completely renovated, the original architectural detail and interior have been preserved. The white-shingled house has magenta trim and includes steep gabled roofs and two “Rapunzel” towers. The spacious backyard includes trees, a lawn and patio, with chairs, marble flowerpots and a water fountain. The interior includes hardwood floors, a grand staircase and natural woodwork. The bathrooms include old-fashioned claw foot bathtubs.
The Aurora House accommodates 14 women, but Junge prefers to keep the numbers small, to maintain an intimate environment. On the upstairs floor, each tower accommodates one senior resident. One master bedroom includes three clients. Other residents share double-occupancy rooms. The rooms include old-fashioned style dressers, twin beds, nightstands, and televisions.
The fully equipped kitchen has cabinets made of natural woodwork, stainless steel appliances including two dishwashers, and two microwave ovens and leather chairs surrounding a granite island with a sink. While clients are responsible for their own groceries and meal preparation, Sunday nights, between 6:30 pm and 8 pm, are reserved for a family-style dinner, followed by a house meeting. Amenities include Wi-Fi, cable TV and laundry facilities. Junge, who lives on the premises, is also the residential manager.
Rules and Regulations
Preferably, clients have arrived from residential treatment, but those with less time are admitted on a case-by-case basis, and are also provided with stricter requirements. True North Recovery maintains a level system, and requests a four-month minimum length of stay, except many clients stay longer.
Upon arrival, clients must attend a minimum of three weekly 12-step meetings, including a local women’s meeting. They must acquire a home group, a weekly service commitment and get a sponsor. Other requirements include working between 25 and 30 weekly hours of employment, attending outpatient counseling or going to school. Retired women are encouraged to participate in community service.
Due to the house dinner and meeting, the Sunday curfew is 4 pm. During the meeting, women discuss their journeys through recovery. Clients also write out a weekly schedule, which is reviewed by staff. This is to ensure that clients maintain weekly productivity. The curfew from Mondays to Saturdays is one am.
There are no overnights allowed during the first 30 days, but when women progress into level two, they are allowed two overnights a week. As clients progress during their stay, they receive later curfews and more freedom. Random drug and alcohol testing is conducted. Residents who have relapsed must leave the premises, but staff makes sure that they have someplace to land. They are not thrown out into the streets. After 30 days, they are admitted back on a case-by-case basis. Other requirements include performance of household chores, and participation in morning step study.
Extras
True North Recovery is a member of MASH (Minnesota Association of Sober Homes). Aurora House is located in a university neighborhood, which gives clients many opportunities to further their education, as well as find work, or attend aftercare.
In Summary
The women at True North Recovery’s Aurora House have a tight fellowship, which is highly beneficial and nurturing for clients in early recovery. Additionally, living in a beautiful house can definitely boost self-esteem, as well as provide a healing atmosphere. Junge is serious about recovery, and is highly intuitive with the needs of her clients. For women looking for 12-step sober living in the St. Paul area, True North Recovery is an option worth considering.
True North Recovery
Aurora House
496 Marshall Ave
St. Paul, MN 55102
True North Recovery Cost: $825 (30 days, not including a $350 sobriety deposit). Reach True North Recovery by phone at (612) 205-2568 or by email at info@TrueNorthRecovery.org.
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