What is the Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) Training Program and who is it designed for?

The Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) Training Program is a comprehensive, field-tested curriculum designed to close the gap in operator training and raise the bar for professional recovery housing nationwide. It is ideal for a diverse range of students, including new operators preparing to launch their first home, experienced managers expanding their networks, and in-home leaders like House Mentors who require consistent systems and practical tools for daily operations. VSL's training imparts the clarity and confidence necessary to build a stable, compliant, and compassionate recovery residence, leveraging the expertise of its developer, Dr. Hunter T. Foote, and VSL's status as the largest network of NARR Level II certified recovery homes in the U.S.

What specific training series does VSL offer for different roles in recovery housing and real estate?

VSL organizes its self-paced Thinkific courses into three specialized series to address distinct professional needs. The Recovery Housing Leadership Academy (RHL Series) is for current and aspiring operators, covering everything from leadership fundamentals and business planning to opening a home and mastering operational domains (RHL-101 through RHL-201). The Recovery Housing Real Estate Series (RHRE Series) is tailored for real estate developers, investors, and project sponsors, focusing on finding the right property, debt financing, and upfitting blueprints for certified recovery housing (RHRE-101 through RHRE-107). Finally, the House Mentor Training Series (HMT Series) is for in-home leadership, preparing them for daily operations management, resident oversight, and community culture (HMT-101 through HMT-105).

What practical outcomes can an aspiring operator expect from VSL's "learn-by-doing" training model?

VSL’s "learn-by-doing" model focuses on creating a tangible, customized Sober House Launch Plan for every participant, ensuring that online lessons directly translate into better homes on the ground. Graduates leave with an actionable, data-informed plan that includes a clear timeline, a certification pathway, a staffing plan, a safety/compliance checklist, and an outreach calendar. Operators receive essential deliverables like a complete Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Binder and an Inspection Prep Checklist, and benefit from bi-weekly check-ins with VSL experts. This hands-on approach leads to graduates who open faster, consistently achieve a 100% inspection pass rate among those who follow the system, and sustain higher occupancy with fewer operational setbacks.

Who developed the VSL training curriculum and why is their background significant?

The VSL training program was developed by Dr. Hunter T. Foote, a Harvard University Teaching Fellow with a PhD specializing in recovery housing research. His background is significant because he combines academic expertise—having researched the field at a high level—with over a decade of hands-on experience operating recovery homes across the country. This unique blend of theory and practice ensures the curriculum is both strategically sound and immediately applicable in the real world. Furthermore, the program is validated by the success of Vanderburgh Sober Living, which is the largest network of NARR Level II certified recovery homes in the United States, demonstrating a proven and measurable operational model.

Does VSL offer in-person training options, and what are the benefits of attending?

Yes, VSL offers immersive, in-person training experiences at their headquarters in Webster, Massachusetts, for those who benefit from hands-on learning. These are available in various formats, including a 1-Day Bootcamp focused on compliance and leadership fundamentals, and a 3-Day Intensive that is a deep dive into team building, outreach, and program sustainability. The primary benefits include connecting directly with VSL's core leadership team and engaging in on-site application through practical exercises like mock intake procedures, fire and life-safety walkthroughs, and live incident response drills. This experience is best for founders, operators, and senior House Mentors seeking advanced competency and direct mentorship.

Empowering Recovery Leaders: How VSL Trains the Next Generation of Sober Living Professionals

Vanderburgh Sober Living Training: Building Confident, Compliant, and Compassionate Operators

1. Why We Built This Training Program
2. The Curriculum Design: Practical, Standardized, and Field-Tested
3. Part 1: Self-Paced Thinkific Courses for Real-World Success
4. Practical Training: Build Your Sober House Launch Plan With VSL
5. In-Person Training at VSL Headquarters (Webster, MA)
6. What Makes VSL Recovery Housing Training Different?
7. Results You Can Expect (KPIs We Track)
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Why We Built This Training Program

The Gap in Sober Living Operator Training

The recovery housing field has grown rapidly, but standards and operator training have lagged behind.
Many homes open with good intentions but inconsistent operations, limited compliance knowledge, or weak community relationships.
VSL’s training program was built to close these gaps and raise the bar for professional recovery housing nationwide.

The Ideal Student

Whether you’re a new operator preparing to launch your first home or an experienced manager expanding your network,
this program gives you the clarity and confidence to build a stable, compliant, and compassionate recovery residence.
House Mentors and regional operators alike benefit from consistent systems and practical tools.

About Dr. Hunter T. Foote & VSL

Our program was developed by

Dr. Hunter T. Foote
,
a Harvard University Teaching Fellow who completed his PhD researching recovery housing and has over a decade of hands-on experience
operating homes across the country. Vanderburgh Sober Living is recognized as the largest network of NARR Level II certified recovery
homes in the United States — a testament to our proven model and measurable outcomes.

The Curriculum Design: Practical, Standardized, and Field-Tested

The curriculum distills ten years of national operational experience into simple, actionable steps.
Every lesson, checklist, and template has been tested in live recovery environments — ensuring that what’s taught online directly translates
to better homes on the ground.

Part 1: Self-Paced Thinkific Courses for Real-World Success

Our online modules are designed for busy operators. Access the entire curriculum from any device, track your progress,
and download ready-to-use templates. Each lesson includes objectives, checklists, and real-world examples to make the material stick.

Recovery Housing Leadership Academy (RHL Series)

For Recovery Housing Operators and Program Leaders

The Recovery Housing Leadership Academy equips current and aspiring operators with the skills to build,
launch, and sustain recovery housing programs rooted in excellence. Developed from VSL’s proven operating model and more than a decade
of field-tested systems, this series blends practical tools with strategic insights—helping you move confidently from concept
to fully operational recovery housing.

Course	Course Name	Value and Outcomes
RHL⬩101	Leadership Fundamentals	Build the mindset and skills of an effective recovery housing leader. Learn how to establish culture, uphold accountability, and lead teams with clarity and compassion.
RHL⬩102	Strategic Decisions & Business Planning	Develop your recovery housing business model, including mission alignment, financial planning, and risk management. Create a sustainable roadmap for long-term success.
RHL⬩103	Opening a Recovery Home	Step-by-step guidance on site selection, regulatory requirements, and startup logistics to bring your first home from vision to reality—compliant, equipped, and inspection-ready.
RHL⬩104	Operations Domain	Master the day-to-day systems that keep a recovery home running smoothly: admissions, house rules, resident engagement, and accountability practices.
RHL⬩105	Administration Domain	Learn essential administrative processes, from recordkeeping and compliance documentation to financial tracking, data collection, and internal audits.
RHL⬩106	Outreach Domain	Build strong referral relationships and community credibility. Learn proven outreach strategies to strengthen partnerships with treatment centers, courts, and local organizations.
RHL⬩107	Facility Domain	Understand safety, maintenance, and property management best practices. Ensure your homes meet or exceed standards for certification, accessibility, and life safety.
RHL⬩108	Recovery Housing Optimization	Measure and improve performance using data-driven insights. Learn how to scale operations, increase occupancy, and strengthen impact through continuous improvement.
RHL⬩201	Fundraising for Your First Recovery Home	Learn the art and science of raising capital for mission-driven housing. Explore grants, donations, and partnerships that make your first home financially feasible.

Recovery Housing Real Estate Series (RHRE Series)

For Real Estate Developers, Investors, and Project Sponsors

The Recovery Housing Real Estate Series bridges the gap between mission and real estate.
Designed for those developing or financing recovery homes, it provides a complete playbook for identifying,
acquiring, and preparing properties for certified recovery housing—combining profitability with purpose.

Course	Course Name	Value and Outcomes
RHRE⬩101	Finding the Right Property	Learn what makes a property ideal for recovery housing—zoning, layout, neighborhood dynamics, and renovation potential.
RHRE⬩102	Recovery Housing Debt Financing	Explore financing options from traditional lending to mission-based credit sources. Structure your project for both approval and sustainability.
RHRE⬩103	Closing the Deal	Navigate offers, contingencies, and closings with confidence. Learn how to structure agreements that protect your mission and your investment.
RHRE⬩104	The Recovery Housing Upfitting Blueprint	Translate design into compliance. Plan and execute renovations that meet safety standards, occupancy codes, and certification requirements.
RHRE⬩105	Operator Search, Evaluation, and Lease	Learn how to identify qualified operators, structure leases, and align expectations for mutual success.
RHRE⬩106	Strategy, Scale, and Optimization	Build a portfolio approach to recovery housing. Learn when and how to grow, refinance, or replicate your model across markets.
RHRE⬩107	Exit Strategies	Design your long-term exit plan—charitable sale, refinancing, or legacy transfer—to maximize both impact and financial return.

House Mentor Training (HMT Series)

For In-Home Leadership and Daily Operations Management

The House Mentor Training Series prepares in-home leaders to manage daily operations
with professionalism, empathy, and consistency. Each course builds skills that ensure every resident experience
aligns with the mission and standards of recovery housing.

Course	Course Name	Value and Outcomes
HMT⬩101	Foundations of House Mentorship	Understand the purpose, principles, and expectations of the House Mentor role—bridging leadership with lived experience.
HMT⬩102	Introduction to House Management	Learn daily operational routines, accountability systems, and how to maintain safety and order within the home.
HMT⬩103	Resident Oversight and Community Culture	Develop tools for conflict resolution, peer leadership, and fostering a supportive recovery community.
HMT⬩104	Community Outreach & Engagement	Strengthen ties between your home and the community through structured outreach, volunteerism, and partner relationships.
HMT⬩105	Professional Development & Growth	Chart a leadership pathway for mentors seeking advancement to operator or recovery coach roles. Build skills that sustain career and community impact.

Practical Training: Build Your Sober House Launch Plan With VSL

At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we believe that effective training is about taking real steps toward building a home that’s ready to open, serve, and sustain.
Our “learn-by-doing” model ensures that every participant leaves with a tangible, customized plan. You’ll gain a clear launch roadmap, the right tools,
and direct access to the VSL team to help you stay accountable from concept to grand opening.

Your Custom Recovery Housing Launch Plan

Every operator’s journey is unique. That’s why we co-build a personalized roadmap tailored to your goals, market, and certification pathway. Together, we’ll develop:

Timeline and Milestone Checklist — a clear, step-by-step roadmap from property acquisition to your first resident move-in.
Certification or Licensing Path (where applicable) — guidance on

NARR compliance
frameworks to ensure your home meets all operational standards.
Staffing and Mentorship Plan — customized leadership structure, House Mentor assignments, and accountability systems to support a healthy home culture.
Safety and Compliance Punch List — practical checklists to identify and close gaps before your inspection or certification visit.
Furnishings and Vendor Plan — recommended suppliers, furnishing standards, and setup guidance to make your home feel move-in ready and comfortable.
Community Outreach and Referral Development Calendar — tools to build steady referral pipelines and establish your home as a trusted local partner.

📦 Deliverables:
Each participant receives a complete Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Binder, an Inspection Prep Checklist, and editable operational templates designed for real-world use.
You’ll also benefit from bi-weekly check-ins with VSL experts who review your milestones, answer questions, and help you stay on track.

🎯 Outcome:
By graduation, you’ll have an actionable, data-informed plan. Graduates consistently open faster, pass inspections the first time, and maintain higher occupancy with fewer operational setbacks.

In-Person Training at VSL Headquarters (Webster, MA)

Sometimes, the best learning happens hands-on. That’s why VSL offers immersive, in-person training experiences at our headquarters in Webster, Massachusetts.
These sessions connect you directly with our leadership team and provide a behind-the-scenes look at how successful recovery homes operate day-to-day.

During each intensive, participants engage in both classroom learning and on-site application. You’ll walk through real properties, participate in live demonstrations,
and experience simulated scenarios that prepare you for real-world challenges.

Format Options:

1-Day Bootcamp — Focused on compliance, leadership, and the fundamentals of safe, effective recovery housing operations.
3-Day Intensive — A deep-dive experience covering everything from team building and outreach to inspections and program sustainability.
Custom Cohorts — Tailored training sessions for organizations, coalitions, or state partners seeking a specialized focus.

Hands-On Exercises:

Mock orientation and intake procedures
Fire and life-safety walkthroughs
Live incident response drills
Real inspection preparation and property compliance reviews

👥 Ideal Participants:
This training is best suited for founders, operators, and senior House Mentors seeking advanced competency, hands-on experience, and direct mentorship from VSL’s core leadership team.

What Makes VSL Recovery Housing Training Different?

Built by active recovery housing operators, not just educators
Grounded in academic research and field data
Backed by real properties and measurable KPIs
Provides tools and accountability, not just lessons
Supported by an active community of peer operators

Results You Can Expect (KPIs We Track)

90-day average launch timeline from property secured to opening day
100% inspection pass rate among trained operators who follow the system
Steady occupancy growth within 120 days of opening
Expanding referral partnerships and community engagement metrics

These numbers represent more than efficiency — they represent safety, sustainability, and the consistent delivery of hope to residents rebuilding their lives.