MSCL PROGRAMS
Countless studies show that to achieve lasting sobriety, an individual with substance use disorder must have long-term support. A SAMHSA report from 2016 affirms that, “For individuals with behavioral health conditions, embracing wellness can improve quality and years of life.” This study defines eight dimensions of wellness: Emotional, Financial, Social, Spiritual, Occupational, Intellectual, Physical, and Environmental. MSCL addresses this by providing a safe sober living environment, access to and funding for different programs that include: medical, dental, and behavioral health services, exercise and recreation, nutrition assistance, financial education, matched savings accounts, and education and vocational training. Residents who arrive at MSCL House typically have lacked access and funding to preventative and continuing care in the past. Once they commit to sober living, we make these programs available to them to assist them in their recovery journey.
SOBER LIVING PROGRAM
Transitioning back into social situations is one of the biggest challenges facing people in substance abuse recovery. MSCL’s sober living program addresses this by offering two sober living homes located in residential areas in the heart of Hailey. These sober living homes allow individuals to transition from substance abuse treatment or incarceration to regular everyday life. Our homes are structured as a community-based residential program where shelter, guidance, and access to recovery services are provided in a supportive environment. Each home can accommodate up to eight individuals at once and is overseen by a House Manager with support from MSCL staff.
“There were so many opportunities in the house and there was always help when I needed it. I got a job within the first 10 hours I was there. I also used the Wellness Fund. But the most helpful part of living in the house was being around my peers–all these different people trying to be sober and help each other out. That made it easier to bond.” – MSCL Resident, 2020
MEDICAL, DENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM
MSCL’s wellness programs, available to all residents, include access to doctors, dentists, and behavioral health specialists, not only for urgent visits, but to establish routine appointments, focusing on long term health. MSCL provides funding and referrals to service providers to allow residents to take care of existing health concerns, establish consistent relationships with the medical care system, and be ready to move forward in focusing on their recovery. Addiction takes a tremendous toll on the body and proper medical care is tantamount to recovery. At MSCL, we continue to build on our collaborations with top service providers with whom our residents can establish trusting relationships and we negotiate reduced rates for services for our residents.
“The dental program helped me by offering dental care at no cost when I really needed it. Just starting out in life again, I didn’t have insurance or any money to pay for dental and worried about losing more teeth and having to get dentures in my twenties. It gave me back confidence in my smile.” – MSCL House Resident, 2022
PHYSICAL HEALTH SERVICES
Effective recovery from addiction must heal the mind, body, and spirit and provide the confidence and skills to return to independent, substance-free living. MSCL provides access to and funding for outdoor activities, fitness, and exercise programs in collaboration with local gyms, fitness and wellness specialists, and outdoor adventure companies.
MSCL’s physical health program includes gym memberships, sport equipment rentals, outdoor recreation, and wellness classes. These activities are designed to get the residents ‘back’ in their bodies and to take advantage of our beautiful natural surroundings.
“Staying at MSCL house I got to engage in a healthier way of living. I have been able to take advantage of fun outdoor activities that the Wood River Valley has to offer, such as skiing and hiking. Having access to Gravity Fitness has also played a role in my physical health. Until now living an active lifestyle was just a hope that would’ve never come to fruition.” – MSCL House Resident, 2022
FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASSES AND MATCHED $AVINGS ACCOUNT PROGRAM
The M$A program is a special savings account that helps residents establish a pattern of regular savings and realize their asset goal. The M$A program, using matching deposits and the residents’ participation in the three mandatory financial education classes, helps our residents acquire both the capital and skills they need toward self-sufficiency.
“It is an amazing opportunity you give to the men. Knowing that the money was available at the end was a relief. It was a security to have the money so that when I was ready to do what I needed to do, I could. I am proud that I was able to save and learn. I used the money to buy a car that helped me get to and from work in the winter months.” – MSCL Resident, 2021
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Healthy food choices enhance the recovery process, during which the body and brain are newly sober and healing from the heavy toll of substance abuse. Good nutrition contributes to improved mood and brain function. MSCL provides residents with nutrition assistance in the form of monthly cooking classes, organized group house meals, and holiday meals.
“Last week’s cooking classes held at the sober house and taught by St. Luke’s registered nutritionist Theresa, was a huge success. The men learned how to eat healthy, how to fight cravings with vegetables and whole grains and which foods to avoid like sugar. Eating right is vital to recovery in order to replenish the nutrients lost during addiction. By participating in the preparation, planning, and the creation of a dish, our residents are learning skills for a lifetime of healthy living.” – MSCL staff, 2022
EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS TRAINING
MSCL provides education and vocational training support to residents throughout their stay. The program offers funding and guidance to residents who are attempting to receive their high school diploma, begin college, attend vocational school, or continue earning credits toward a college degree. Continuing education helps build self-confidence, a valuable tool in recovery, it improves marketability and increases opportunities for good employment. The program enables residents to obtain the financial assistance they require to meet their educational and living expenses while residing at MSCL House.
Education expenses include the cost of tuition and tuition-related fees, textbooks, purchase of necessary equipment or supplies, rent assistance, college meal plans, tutoring services, and transportation assistance.
“I am going to be given the opportunity to start an electrical apprenticeship and start going to college. I have never been given the opportunity and since I have been living here at MSCL House, I have changed my life for the best. Nothing has ever worked for me, and my life now is better than it has ever been. I believe a lot of it has to do with the people that I have around and the support we get from MSCL staff.” – MSCL Resident, 2021