The Spirit of Recovery

Recovery Kentucky:

Recovery Kentucky

Overview

          “Recovery Kentucky” addresses two of Kentucky’s most urgent problems – drug addiction and homelessness. 

         Governor Ernie Fletcher’s $9.5 million initiative will help establish 10 recovery centers across the state.  In these centers, substance abuse treatment and transitional housing will be offered to the homeless and those on the brink of homelessness.   The recovery centers must be modeled after The Hope Center in Lexington and The Healing Place in Louisville, who have long track records of combating addiction and homelessness.

Transitions and Recovery Kentucky

          Transitions has applied for Recovery Kentucky funds and has a conditional use permit to build a 100-bed program in Erlanger.   However, we’ve encountered well-publicized resistance to building a center on this site.  Project opponents are appealing the Erlanger Board of Adjustments decision to award us a conditional use permit.

          Despite this, Transitions remains 100% committed to opening a men’s “Recovery Kentucky” center.   Giving up is simply not an option when so many people in Northern Kentucky need help.

          Some misconceptions about the project have persisted since our original proposed location was publicized last year.  Here is what our proposed Recovery Kentucky center is not:

• It’s not a methadone clinic, homeless shelter, or emergency housing.

• It will not have a soup kitchen or a drop-in area

• We will not accept anyone walking in off the street.  Everyone admitted will be screened by professional staff.  

Here is what our proposed center – and the Recovery Kentucky initiative – are all about:

• People improving their lives – It is a voluntary program that requires a commitment to leading a clean, sober and positive life.  It is not a court-ordered corrections program that must accept someone regardless of their desire to change.

• People helping each other – Our proposed center will use what’s known as a “therapeutic community.”  It’s sort of like a “buddy system” where residents must help each other succeed.  On-site professional staff will be responsible for the program and facility, but one of their most important roles is to help the residents help each other.

• People improving the community – By learning to be “good neighbors” inside the facility, residents will be better able to do the same outside the program.   Our clients will also rely a lot on volunteers and members of community self-help groups.  And to ensure that our center remains a good neighbor, we will have 24-hour security at the program.

A Word of Thanks…

Transitions is very grateful to all who have supported our effort to open this center.  Many have supported us by talking about the heartwrenching – and sometimes fatal – effect of addiction within their families.  Others have shared their own stories of recovery and hope.  No matter the nature of your support, we are grateful and we will continue our effort to open the center.