(2/2019) Specialist Program; Peer to Peer Recovery Support Services such as Telephone Recovery Support and Recovery Coaching; Peer-facilitated Support Groups; Educational activities like vocational enrichment, computer lab, parenting, life skills, and Adult Education classes; Family Interventions; Family programs; and Positive social activities such as dances, dinners, breakfasts, cook-outs, holiday events, family game nights, recovery idol competitions, and karaoke nights

The Mercy house will have a positive impact on the utilization of Drug and Alcohol services. The Mercy house will not be utilized in place of clinical care. Providing appropriate services to those in need of help for the appropriate duration of time saves lives and resources in all areas of our society. Through involvement with the Mercy house individuals, families, and communities can gain access to recovery-focused services and support that will increase successful treatment completion rates, promote early re-engagement for those who have relapsed, and provide pathways to recovery for individuals not in need of clinical treatment services.

Services provided at the Mercy house will not replace, but rather will augment and compliment the focus of treatment, outreach, engagement and prevention to assist people in recovery to gain the skills and resources needed to implement, maintain and sustain long-term recovery. As such, staff members at the Mercy house will make appropriate referrals to treatment providers when necessary. Mercy house services can occur in tandem with outpatient substance abuse and/or mental health treatment. For those participants in need of a more intense level of care, Mercy house services will be available to them as is deemed appropriate by the other service provider(s), and upon participant completion of the other program(s). Participants involved in the services at the Mercy house will be exposed to and encouraged to become involved in, other forms of recovery support, such as: 12-Step meetings (NA, CA, AA), faith-based recovery programs, medication assisted recovery, etc. Participants involved in programming at the Mercy house will receive services separately, independently, and in addition to any other services they may choose to access or be involved in.

The Mercy house will be a central place where individuals in recovery can participate in recovery support services, trainings/workshops, self-help groups and social activities in an environment conducive to recovery. Recovering individuals can come together at the Mercy house to gain knowledge, learn new skills, socialize and expand their network of support. The Mercy house will offer an environment conducive to growth and change where individuals will learn how to transition into community life. At the Mercy house, people in recovery develop and implement peer-run programs that can supplement existing services offered through formal treatment systems, thus expanding community-based resources available to those in recovery. The will have ample space and rooms available to accommodate more than one service being offered at the same time.

Most programs and classes at the Mercy house will take place during normal business hours, however, in the evenings the Mercy house will become a communal spot for recovering individuals to find a safe haven. The Mercy house will provide a positive social environment where individuals will be able to find camaraderie, support, and relaxation. Participants will learn that they can have fun in recovery. The Mercy house will be stimulating and enriching at the same time, providing respite from the streets and an atmosphere of recovery at all times. A community room equipped with coffee pots, vending machines, tables and chairs, pool table and other gaming equipment will be open and supervised every evening. There will also be A.A., N.A. and other 12-Step support groups holding meetings in segregated areas of the Mercy house during evening and weekend hours.

The Mercy house will not be a clinical program where recovering individuals are expected to follow treatment plans, receive counseling, etc. Instead, the Mercy house will be a peer-run program of choice offering community-based, peer-driven, non-clinical programs and services in a consumer-friendly environment. The same individuals who come in search of support will also support others and assist in project activities. The Mercy house will fill a unique and vital role in the addiction treatment system and surrounding communities. For a fraction of the cost of formal treatment services, the Mercy house will provide a supportive environment for recovering individuals who might otherwise resort to active substance use or other self-defeating behaviors.

The Mercy house will thus become a cost-effective means of offering community-based services and support to those in recovery at times when clinical treatment services may not be readily accessible (evenings and weekends) or cannot offer the length of stay necessary to achieve and sustain recovery. The Mercy house will provide empowerment – something that clinical services cannot. By planning and directing Mercy house activities, individuals in recovery will learn practical lessons about planning, budgeting, employment and other aspects of being productive members of society.

Also, staff at the Mercy house will assume a peer status role that allows recovering individuals to develop a sense of responsibility/self-worth that will support personal growth and long-term recovery. Rather than focusing on treatment of addiction, the Mercy house will stress personal values of recovery and assist individuals in establishing a foundation that supports living a recovering lifestyle. The Mercy house will also provide important information, resources and referral services to those in need. Staff at the Mercy house will gather/disseminate information on AOD issues, treatment programs, 12-Step Programs, recovery housing/sober living, advocacy and a multitude of community-based services that can enhance the recovery process.

If you have any questions about the Mercy house or substance abuse services in our community, please contact me at mqually@adamscounty.us.