Our Model of Recovery Housing


About

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.

VSL Chartered Operators offer structured sober living for men and women where every guest is supported in their recovery journeys. Guests live together as a family to develop the tools and strengthen their character in order to live free from substance abuse. VSL homes allow for independence while guided by a set of recovery-focused house rules, standards, and expectations. The core of our structure is abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Guests are engaged in their personal recovery journey by attending meetings and working with a sponsor and a House Mentor for support and encouragement. Guests adhere to a curfew, submit to drug and alcohol screenings, and participate in home and community events.
- 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
Community 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.
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