About Vanderburgh Sober Living | Our Mission to Build Strong Recovery Communities

Our Mission

We exist to ensure access to a supportive, affordable, and sustainable home for each person on a recovery journey.

Our Vision

Our vision is to establish 11 regional offices and 220 service areas to support 2,400 recovery homes in the VSL network across the US.

Vanderburgh Sober Living Values

Commit to Recovery: Every VSL Operator and member of our staff is dedicated to fostering supportive recovery housing to serve each person on a recovery journey.

Set the Standard: We carry the flag for excellence in recovery housing, collaboratively setting and upholding the highest quality standards in our field.

Engage the Community: We actively collaborate with the broader recovery community to strengthen our network and improve the efficacy of recovery housing.

Ensure Inclusive Access: We are committed to making recovery housing accessible and welcoming to all, embracing diverse recovery pathways and needs.

Empower and Lead: The VSL Community equips Operators and House Mentors with tools, training, and support to be effective leaders in their communities.

Innovate and Grow: We embrace innovation and foster continuous growth to ensure our approach and model for recovery housing remains effective and relevant.

About The Vanderburgh Foundation

Through generous donations and grant funding, the Foundation leads several core initiatives:

Guest Scholarships: Financial assistance for individuals entering recovery housing, helping cover first-month rent and deposits for those who need it most.
New Home Formation: Technical assistance and startup support for new recovery home operators, expanding access to quality sober living across the U.S.
Innovation & Advocacy: Funding tools, training, and initiatives that strengthen the recovery housing ecosystem and support best practices nationwide.

Make a Difference Today!
Your tax-deductible gift helps fund scholarships, launch new recovery homes, and support innovation in recovery housing. Together, we can expand access to stable, supportive housing for individuals in recovery.

Support the Foundation

The Vanderburgh Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to recovery housing and supporting the people and communities who rely on it. As the charitable arm of Vanderburgh Sober Living, the Foundation exists to advance recovery housing initiatives, offer direct assistance to individuals in need, and help ensure that every person on a recovery journey has a safe and supportive home.

Our Model of Recovery Housing

Guests live independently in a gender-specific home
Rooms are typically shared with one or more peers
Guests pay rent weekly or monthly; we don’t accept health insurance
Each home is led by a House Mentor
Our homes are convenient, comfortable, affordable, and supportive
Guests live according to our Guest Handbook and House Rules

VSL Chartered Operators provide structured sober living for men and women committed to recovery.
Guests live together in a supportive, peer-led environment built on accountability, community, and personal growth. Each home follows recovery-focused house rules and standards, with abstinence from drugs and alcohol at its core. Guests engage in their recovery by attending meetings, working with sponsors, and receiving guidance from a House Mentor. Curfews, screenings, and shared responsibilities help create a safe and empowering space for lasting change.

View the VSL Guest Handbook

House Mentorship

Leadership Structure

Transitional Support

At Vanderburgh Sober Living, recovery starts with connection. Our homes foster a peer-driven, structured environment where guests support and encourage each other under the guidance and mentorship of a House Mentor (manager). Together, we build a thriving recovery community that emphasizes accountability, shared growth, and lasting relationships.

Our social model recovery homes combine independence with the structure needed to succeed. House Mentors provide guidance and accountability, while VSL Chartered Operators ensure high standards and a supportive and recovery-focused environment. This balanced approach empowers guests to take control of their recovery while having the support they need to thrive.

Recovery is a journey, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re preparing to transition to independent living or exploring leadership opportunities as a House Mentor, Vanderburgh Sober Living provides the tools, training, and resources to support your goals and create lasting change. Join us in our mission to build thriving recovery communities!

Recovery Residence Certification

Meet our Certification Providers

Recovery Home certification plays a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of safety, structure, and support for individuals on their recovery journey. Certification is guided by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), a national organization which sets standards for recovery residence certification. NARR’s framework is built on a social model of recovery, emphasizing peer support, accountability, and community engagement. Their certification process evaluates homes on essential aspects such as safety, resident rights, operational integrity, and quality of service.

State Affiliate Certification: State affiliates of NARR apply these standards locally, tailoring them to meet regional needs and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Affiliates often provide resources, training, and ongoing support to recovery home operators, helping them maintain certification and uphold best practices.

Why Sober Living Certification Matters:

Accountability: Ensures recovery homes meet strict operational standards.
Quality: Maintains a consistent standard of care and service for guests.
Community: Fosters positive relationships between operators and within communities.
Credibility: Positions certified sober homes as trusted recovery support organizations.

Learn More about VSL

House Mentors at Vanderburgh Sober Living

House Mentors at Vanderburgh Sober Living We believe the House Mentor (formerly the House Manager) is the single most important role in the leadership of a successful home. Every Vanderburgh Sober Living home relies on the House Mentors to guide the community and support each guest from the moment they move in. We carefully screen, […]

The Mission and Vision Behind Vanderburgh Sober Living

Building Recovery Communities: Our Mission and Vision Vanderburgh Sober Living, or VSL, is a network of independently operated recovery homes organized and supported by The Vanderburgh Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation. At VSL, our mission and vision are more than just words; they are the foundation of everything we do. As a network […]

Vanderburgh Sober Living Mission Vision and Values

The History and Growth of Vanderburgh Sober Living

Vanderburgh Sober Living has evolved significantly since our founding in 2016, growing from a small initiative in Massachusetts to the largest network of NARR Leve II recovery homes in the United States. With a commitment to providing supportive environments for individuals in recovery, Vanderburgh Sober Living has consistently focused on innovation, empowerment, and community engagement. […]

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