Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
The first Recovery Alive Home for men in our area is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for “Still Waters” Saturday, March 22 and the community is invited to come and learn more about the program.
The home is located at 210 Jackson Cove Road, in Deatsville. The ribbon cutting will be held at 10 a.m. and refreshments will be served.
This is the second Recovery Alive home in our area, the first being Ray of Hope which is for women. It is located off Hwy. 111 in Deatsville, and has been very successful, according to officials.
Recovery Alive homes are a faith-based, sober living community, with strict guidelines to participate. As for Still Waters, it has a capacity for six men. Per the website, there are currently five available slots.
Tracy Boozer is a National Recovery Ambassador for Recovery Alive, and a member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church located in Deatsville. She has been in the Christian Recovery Ministry for over nine years with a passion for helping others find personal freedom through a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. She is the ministry leader for Recovery Alive at Shoal Creek Baptist Church. She also serves as a National Coach for Recovery Alive and serves as a Regional Ambassador as well.
The EA News contacted Boozer relating to this story, and she said she is aware that not everyone is in favor of the newest home’s location. She said she has been contacted by concerned residents and is aware of negative social media posts. She wanted to clarify, this program is not what some are calling a Halfway House.
Many of the posts against the home EA News has seen or received a from people who support recovery, but they fear the home being located in their neighborhood.
Boozer said that when the first home for women in this area was opened, there were concerns then as well about who would be in the home, and possible security issues.
“But the home has been operational for some time now, and the same people who were against it early on now say they support it,” Boozer said. “For anyone with concerns about the sober living home, we invite them to come and see it for themselves.”
Boozer stressed there are strict guidelines and high standards for men or women who live in the Recovery Alive homes. “We will not put anyone in danger.”
Recovery Alive uses security cameras both inside and out of the homes, which are constantly monitored and supervised. There are high standards in place before a person who seeks recovery is allowed to live in sober living homes.
RA Home Guidelines for Residency
If you are interested in applying to RA Homes, please fill out the online application on the website and someone will contact you to set up an interview. The website is www.Recoveryalive.com
Member Expectations
Attend weekly church services at a local church and Christ-Centered 12 step meetings at a local Recovery Alive Sponsoring Ministry participating in people and process groups.
Once employed, post and adhere to a weekly work schedule.
Members receiving social security are required to volunteer in the community 10 hours per week.
Equal Share Expense
Pay a one-time non-refundable move-in fee equal to one week’s rent.
Weekly rent includes utilities: electricity, water, heat, air, internet, and house phone. Details will be discussed during the interview.
House supplies, such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, and coffee are provided through monthly house shopping.
Member Standards
Drug test required upon entry, with a negative result necessary for admittance.
30-day probation period for new residents.
Residents may drive their own cars if they are fully licensed, registered, and insured. Only fully insured and state-registered vehicles are allowed on the premises.
Suspected substance use results in screening. A positive test requires the member to leave the house within 3 hours. Recovery Alive Homes will assist in finding detox or a safe place if desired, but disruptive behavior results in immediate removal.
Recovery Alive’s History
Recovery Alive was founded in 2020 by John Eklund during the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis. John Eklund has 20+ years experience working in recovery ministry, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is an ordained pastor currently ministering at Temple City Church.
In 2020, John and his team prioritized the need for accessible online recovery meetings, making the commitment to build a Christ-centered recovery program that had the ability to be 100% online AND in-person.
Since then, Recovery Alive has grown to include 70+ churches who have partnered together to launch Recovery Alive Meetings around the world.
Learn more about the program, and how to receive help through the program at their website below. The community is invited and encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting to learn more.
Follow them on Facebook below.
