Hope Restored Recovery Home in North Judson strives to provide a new perspective for those who have suffered from substance abuse.
Executive Director Jesse Johnston says the facility houses up to 10 men who are transitioning from substance abuse to a live of recovery.
“The beauty of a recovery home, a transitional living facility, is that there is structure, there is high accountability, but also some freedom to kind of help you learn what it looks like to live a normal life and transition back into society,” said Johnston.
With Hope Restored Recovery Home being a structured facility, there are programs for residents to participate in to help in the recovery journey.
Johnston continued, “Four nights a week they have groups and they’re encouraged to go to outside meetings on the weekends and things like that as well. Part of that structure is regular drug screens. I meet with them weekly to do a progress review and talk about how they’re doing, how things are going at work, how things are going with the family, how things are going with the doctor, as well as how they’re progressing toward the goals they have set. They have chores, they’ve got to keep their rooms clean – basic daily living habits.”
Johnston said there has been positive response of the facility since it opened in January 2023.
“We’re filling up quick. It’s been fun to see the response especially in Starke County. Initially, I think some people were kind of hesitant and weren’t sure about us, but we’ve been up and going for a little over a year and communication and trust has really grown between us and the courts. We’re getting quite a few applicants and I’m excited to see it continue to grow.”
Johnston noted that Hope Restored Recovery Home has the tools available to help an individual’s transition into a sober life, but it is up to that individual to put in the effort.
“Ultimately, at the end of the day, it comes down to how much want it to their desire. Are they ready to put in the work? Our responsibility is to create the environment and that if they are they can flourish. We’ve seen both sides of the spectrum. For some guys, it hasn’t gone well and hasn’t worked out. I can say with certainty, for a few guys, it’s really fun to see them do well, move on, still be living a clean, sober life and staying in touch with us. Makes it all worth it for sure.”
The first step is to take the first step toward recovery. There is an application process that starts online at www.hoperestoredsoberliving.net.
Volunteers are always needed to help provide meals, serve as drivers to help the residents get to and from work, and as well as being a board member or serve on the fundraising committee. Contact Jesse Johnston at hoperestoredrecoveryhome@gmail.com.
Make sure to attend Hope Restored Recovery Home’s Annual Cook-Off Saturday, April 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT at the Bass Lake Community Center at 6996 S. State Road 10 in Knox. It’s Italian night along with a silent auction. Tickets are $20. Follow the link with ticket information on the Community Calendar page on this website.
