April Jackson knows the challenges that come with recovery from substance misuse.
Not only has she been in recovery herself, but she and her now-ex husband used to open their home to others attempting to live a sober lifestyle.
They took in both men and women. Even a mother and child. They helped eight people over a period of 18 months.
“It was a huge learning experience,” Jackson said. “It opened my eyes to the different needs of recovery and the different situations people get in. It also toughened me up to be able to say no and see the red flags.”
Recovery isn’t easy. Not everyone is successful.
But one of the best ways to help someone transition to a sober lifestyle is to make sure they’re living in a supportive environment with access to resources they need to recover and improve their lives, Jackson said.
Jackson, who is Thrive Allen County’s rural health coordinator, plans to make that happen by opening a recovery house at 16 N. Buckeye St., the former Waugh-Yokum Funeral Home now owned by Thrive.
The property will offer safe, temporary, substance-free housing for those who have recently completed treatment.
It’s a pilot program for the Substance Misuse Prevention Coalition and will be funded as part of a federal grant. The hope is to create a sustainable program with more housing opportunities in the future, either in Iola or other communities within the six counties — Allen, Bourbon, Coffey, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson — that make up the coalition.
“None of the counties have anything like this,” Jackson said.
Kate Schroeder, communications director for Thrive, said the house in Iola could become a model for other programs across the state.
“We want to get started, see what we can learn and build momentum,” Schroeder said.
THE GOAL is to offer a safe transition to more permanent housing and a sober lifestyle, Jackson said.
Those who stay at the house will do so on a short-term basis, perhaps 60 to 90 days.
They must have completed a 28- or 30-day treatment program or are taking part in an outpatient treatment program. They also must fill out an application and pass a background check.
While living at the recovery house, they are required to work toward finding employment and housing.
