The Basics
Located between Burlington and Montpelier in Waterbury, Vermont, Vermont Foundation of Recovery provides sober living homes for men and women. The organization was founded by David Riegel and Andrew Gonyea, who are both in recovery. Since their opening in 2013, they have established other houses, with a total of four homes for men and one for women. Their mission is to provide a safe, structured environments for recovering alcoholics and addicts, so they do not have to begin their recovery in unhealthy living environments. Their belief is that a healthy sober living house allows clients to become productive members of society.
Accommodations and Amenities
Vermont Foundation of Recovery accommodates a total of 30 clients. The male-only houses are in Burlington, Waterbury, Saint Albans and Essex Junction. The female-only residence is located in South Burlington. The single-family houses are located on quiet, residential streets. Each residence has an on-call house manager who has long term sobriety, completed a sober house management program or a recovery coaching curriculum.
Clients purchase their own groceries, and prepare meals in fully equipped kitchens. Amenities included in the monthly rent are heat, electricity, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a landline phone.
Rules and Regulations
Prior to admission, clients must be clean and sober and free of a history of sex offenses or arson. Additionally, they must honor membership policies. During the first 30 days, clients must be inside the house between 10:30 pm and 6:30 am, seven days a week. Residents must find a mentor, which can be a 12-step sponsor, a recovery coach or a therapist. Clients who want to work with a different type of mentor, including a pastor, can discuss that option with staff.
During this time, requirements include attendance at the house meeting, extensive documentation of daily recovery-related activity, and the procurement of a weekly commitment conducive to healing. Recovery-related commitments can include attendance at an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), participation in a 12-step program or meetings with a pastor, therapist or sponsor. By the end of two weeks, clients must secure a minimum of 20 hours of employment, community service or be enrolled in school.
After the 30-day period, weekly requirements include maintenance of work, community service or school, continued work with the mentor, attendance at house meetings and four weekly recovery-related activities. Performance of household activities is mandatory and clients are subject to random room checks. Residents are subject to drug and alcohol screenings. Since Vermont Foundation of Recovery practices a zero tolerance policy, clients who relapse are immediately removed from the premises.
Also, residents must report if they suspect a fellow housemate is under the influence. Failure to do so results in their immediate eviction. Other no-no’s, which lead to dismissal from the premises include smoking inside the house, having a weapon and behaving in an abusive, disrespectful manner. Any sudden changes in recovery protocol, including switching sponsors, leaving work or stopping outpatient treatment must be immediately reported to staff. Depending on the location, the 30-day cost is between $560 and $640. A $300 initial fee is also due upon arrival.
Extras
Any medication, as long as prescribed by a doctor, is allowed. However, only the daily dose of a prescribed narcotic is permissible on the premises. Residents must pick up those medications from the pharmacy on a daily basis.
In Summary
Vermont Foundation of Recovery doesn’t have a “one size fits all approach” when it comes to sober living, and allows clients freedom to find recovery support which works for them. Aside from that, they take sobriety quite seriously, and expect that clients behave accordingly. This is a great sober living environment for clients seeking highly structured and family-style housing.
Vermont Foundation of Recovery
62A Rolling Meadows Ln
Waterbury, VT 05676
Vermont Foundation of Recovery Cost: $560-$640 (30 days). Reach Vermont Foundation of Recovery by phone at 802-735-4340 or by email. Find Vermont Foundation of Recovery on Facebook
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