Recovery in Worcester for the Latino Community: Hector Reyes House Sober Living
The Three-Level Approach at Hector Reyes House
The Hector Reyes House is a unique 25-bed Latino-based residential home at 27 Vernon Street, Worcester, MA, for individuals battling addiction. Open since April 2009, it offers in-house medical treatment, behavioral counseling, and vocational opportunities to support recovery and reduce relapse. While it focuses on Latino men, it is open to men of all ethnicities.
Comprehensive Care from Day One
From the moment residents arrive, the Hector Reyes House team works diligently to prepare them for life after the program. Many residents are mandated to attend, some having recently been released from prison, while others choose the house voluntarily. The structured environment includes rules, duties, mandatory groups, and clinics. Despite the regimented nature, residents often feel safe and supported.
Weiner, a staff member, notes that trust is a significant barrier initially, but once residents realize the staff’s genuine care, they begin to open up. Many residents carry unaddressed trauma and intense guilt, particularly after relapses. Understanding addiction as a disease is crucial, as emphasized by Weiner.
A Three-Tiered Recovery Model
Over the past decade, the Hector Reyes House has expanded into a comprehensive three-tiered recovery model:
- Hector Reyes House: The initial residential treatment facility.
- Casa Reyes: A transitional housing program next door.
- Café Reyes: A workforce training program.
Dr. Matilde Castiel, the Latin American Health Alliance’s (LAHA) Founder and Medical Director, never anticipated how transformative the program would be. She describes it as the most rewarding experience of her career, surpassing her over 30 years of service in internal medicine and her role as Worcester’s commissioner of health and human services since 2015.
Castiel and LAHA are committed to continuous support post-graduation, emphasizing the need for wrap-around services to prevent relapse and ensure sustained recovery.
Real Stories of Transformation
The impact of the Hector Reyes House is best illustrated through the stories of its residents. For example, Erick Tourigny found the structured, supportive environment a stark contrast to previous rehabs. He appreciates the second chances offered at the house, especially after a relapse. Hamner, another resident, credits the house for keeping him morally straight and helping him reconnect with his spirituality.
David Gonzalez, a case manager, uses his personal recovery experience to inspire residents. His dedication to creating a supportive, sober environment is echoed by residents like Santiago, who found strength and purpose through the program.
Opportunities for Growth
Recognizing the challenges residents face in finding employment post-recovery, LAHA opened Café Reyes in 2015. The café not only provides job training but also serves as a community hub, breaking the stigma around addiction. Partnerships with Quinsigamond Community College offer residents classes on various culinary skills, ensuring they leave with a certificate and job placement assistance.
Residents like Serrano and Molina, who have battled addiction for years, find renewed purpose and stability through the program. Serrano, a long-time sufferer of alcohol addiction, is now focused on self-improvement and helping others. Molina, a former criminal, now channels his energy into creative pursuits and steady work, supported by his family and the program’s structure.
The Need for More Programs
Despite its success, the Hector Reyes House remains one of a kind in the region. Castiel and Weiner advocate for more programs like theirs, emphasizing the need for resources and funding. Their data shows higher-than-average completion rates and extended stays compared to state averages, underscoring the program’s effectiveness.
Castiel envisions expanding support to women and establishing similar houses, though she acknowledges the challenge in finding dedicated leaders. The profound impact on the heart and soul, she believes, is the greatest reward of this work.
The Hector Reyes House stands as a testament to the power of comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and continuous support in addiction recovery. As the program grows, it continues to transform lives, offering hope and a path to sustained recovery.
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