She comes to us with over a decade of experience in non-profit management. Her most recent role was the Director of Nutrition Services at BayPath Elder Services, Inc. in Marlborough, Massachusetts. She led a team that marijuana addiction provided over 150,000 meals annually to individuals in need in the Metro West and Worcester area. She is an enthusiastic leader who develops robust community partnerships and enjoys collaborating with community leaders and organizations. She believes that if we always focus on who it is we are serving and keep that at the forefront of our minds, we will always be going in the right direction. You don’t have to get certified to open a sober living home in Massachusetts.
A History of the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing
The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) plays a critical role in supporting individuals in recovery by ensuring access to high-quality sober living environments across Massachusetts. Established in 2007 by a group of sober home operators, MASH was founded to address the need for consistent standards and accountability within the sober housing community. Today, MASH oversees more than 180 certified sober homes. The organization’s core values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community, aligning closely with NARR’s principles to foster environments that promote long-term recovery and personal growth. Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts. Our organization also provides supervision and training for sober homes, and maintains a database of more than 180 MASH-certified sober homes.MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community.
Learn How Our Sober Housing for Men Can Help You Restart Your New Life
- MASH-certified sober homes must also offer a peer-based environment and be drug- and alcohol-free.
- Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) is a network of independently operated sober homes organized and supported by The Vanderburgh Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation.
- Phil clearly understands the challenges and triumphs of individuals on their journey to sobriety.
- One of its key initiatives is providing Recovery Housing Scholarships, offering financial assistance for sober living arrangements to help individuals transition into a structured, supportive environment.
- Assess each potential resident’s strengths and needs, and determine whether the level of support available within the residence is appropriate.
- Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors are only able to refer clients to certified alcohol and drug-free (ADF) housing.
One of its key initiatives is providing Recovery Housing Scholarships, offering financial assistance for sober living arrangements to help individuals transition into a structured, supportive environment. Residents of sober homes are expected to abstain from alcohol and drug use, other than prescribed medications, and to refrain from prescription misuse. Payment terms for sober homes vary, and residents are given written house agreements. MASH-certified sober homes are governed by standards that address safety from an administrative, operational, property, and “good neighbor” perspective.
Power Forward: Sober Living Financial Assistance in Massachusetts
As such, sober living homes in Minnesota have a negative reputation for being unruly, unregulated, and dangerous places, although the reality of the situation is likely less severe than NIMBYs make it seem. The Minnesota Department of Health issues licensing for residential substance abuse treatment programs as well as supervised group homes for those suffering from mental illness, but they do not regulate or license sober living homes. Establishing a strong sober home community culture is critical to success in recovery. MASH-certified sober homes must also offer a peer-based environment and be drug- and alcohol-free. The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) is a nonprofit organization that promotes quality standards for recovery housing across the United States. Its affiliates, such as MASH in Massachusetts, are responsible for certifying recovery residences to ensure they meet national standards of safety, support, and accountability.
After completing your application, the next step is to prepare and submit a set of required documents to MASH. These documents demonstrate that your sober mash sober living home meets the operational, safety, and governance standards necessary for certification. Before MASH will certify your sober home, your property must pass a detailed on-site inspection.
- Denise is passionate about helping people in recovery in both her professional career and her personal life.
- ASAM’s criteria uses six dimensions to create a holistic, biopsychosocial assessment of an individual to be used for planning and treatment across all levels of care.
- All community members are subject to random drug screens and daily breathalyzing.
- In Massachusetts, SVdP operates local conferences that provide short-term emergency financial assistance, which may include support for individuals transitioning from addiction treatment to sober living environments.
- That’s why our Intake Team is here to guide you through every step—from identifying the right funding options to completing the application process.
- Providers can be confident that patients will receive continued support post-treatment.
» Steps to Certification
In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for recovery residences (including sober housing). These standards were developed using a collaborative approach with input from regional and national recovery housing organizations. MASH is an affiliate of NARR and used these standards to create Massachusetts standards for certified sober homes. NARR has since released two updates to the standards, first in October 2015 and then in 2018. The third version of the NARR standards provides more explicit guidance to providers, including metrics for evaluating the peer support components of a residence’s recovery environment. MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community.
Physical Environment Domain
Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together. Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents. Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings. Policies that value individuals chosen for leadership roles who are versed and trained in the Social Model of recovery and best practices of the profession. Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support. Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct.
E. Core Principle: Provide a Home-like Environment
The inspection verifies that your home complies with MASH standards for safety, governance, peer support, and resident rights. We regularly inspect all member sober homes to ensure safety, quality, and the building of a community of recovery. Matthew Powers is the owner-operator of Chelsea’s House LLC, which has multiple homes for men and women in Chelsea and Lynn.
- This program is essential for helping homes comply with state and local fire safety codes, thereby ensuring a safe living environment for residents.
- Referrals may come from Trial Court staff, Defense Counsel, the District Attorney’s office, and community partners.
- The St Paul-based organization exists to give a “unified voice for owners of sober houses in situations where a public voice became necessary.” It is a NARR affiliate.
- All MASH sober homes meet national standards based on the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) model.
- They provide each tenant with a free gym membership to Rocky’s Gym and offer complimentary yoga classes at the house.
Review the Sober House Levels of Support
Nothing in this section shall prohibit a residence that has not received certification from operating or advertising as alcohol and drug free housing or from offering residence to persons recovering from substance use disorders. Phil Reason is the owner/operator of Daily Living Recovery House, LLC and a recent graduate of Boston University’s Master’s in Public Health and Master’s in Social Work programs. His expertise in addiction treatment, public health, and research contributes positively to the mission of MASH. Phil clearly understands the challenges and triumphs of individuals on their journey to sobriety. His experience in creating and managing a supportive and nurturing living environment for individuals in recovery has further enriched his understanding of the complexities of addiction and the importance of comprehensive care. Sober living homes are a vital part of the recovery journey, providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment for individuals transitioning from treatment to independent living.