The History and Growth of Vanderburgh Sober Living

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. This journey has been marked by key milestones, from becoming the first Certified B Corporation in Worcester to creating a powerful evidence-based model for sober living. Join us as we explore the history and growth of Vanderburgh Sober Living, year by year, highlighting the major accomplishments that have shaped its path.

 

A History of Vanderburgh Sober Living

 

 

2016: Founding and Early Expansion

Vanderburgh Sober Living came to life with the recognition of a need for a better model for recovery housing in Massachusetts. Our journey began with a focus on creating supportive environments for individuals in recovery, guided by the best practices we identified through nationwide research. We laid the groundwork for what would become a growing network of sober living homes.

  • Incorporation: Vanderburgh House, LLC was incorporated in May 2016.
  • First Homes: We opened our first two homes in Central Massachusetts, setting the stage for future expansion.

 

2017: NARR-Affiliate Certification and Community Development

In our second year since founding, we continued our dedication to refining and improving recovery housing practices. Building on our research into effective models, we achieved certification by MASH, the Massachusetts affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). This certification was a significant milestone, affirming our commitment to meeting the highest standards in the industry. As we refined our model, we also opened several new homes in Central Massachusetts, expanding our ability to provide safe and supportive environments for those in recovery.

  • MASH Certification: We became certified by MASH, the Massachusetts NARR affiliate, reinforcing our adherence to high standards in recovery housing.
  • New Homes in Worcester: We opened several new homes in Worcester, further expanding our network and refining our model.

 

2018: B Corp Certification and Research Collaboration

In 2018, we experienced significant growth, both in terms of staffing and the number of homes we operated. As we expanded our reach, we also deepened our commitment to quality and social responsibility. This year, we became the first Certified B Corporation in Worcester, Massachusetts, a recognition of our dedication to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance. To support our expanding operations, we grew our team, adding skilled and passionate individuals who shared our vision. With a stronger foundation in place, we successfully opened several more homes, including our first home in Springfield, MA, allowing us to serve even more individuals on their recovery journey.

  • B Corp Certification: We became the first Certified B Corporation in Worcester, Massachusetts, demonstrating our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
  • Staffing Growth: We expanded our team, bringing on board dedicated professionals to support our growing operations.

2019: Developing a Scalable National Model

In 2019, we recognized the potential to expand our recovery housing model across the United States. To ensure that our approach could be both scalable and effective, we worked closely with House Mentors, guests, certification agencies, and field experts. Together, we developed a robust model for recovery housing that could be implemented nationwide, while still empowering operators to maintain their autonomy. We also explored various organizational structures that would allow us to expand responsibly, ensuring that the quality and integrity of our model would be preserved as we grew.

  • Model Refinement: We developed a comprehensive, evidence-based recovery housing model designed for national scalability.
  • Organizational Exploration: We evaluated different organizational structures to support responsible growth while maintaining the quality and integrity of our model.
  • Empowerment Focus: We ensured that our expansion plans would allow operators to remain autonomous and empowered, even as we grew nationally.

 

2020: Launch of the Charter Platform

In 2020, Vanderburgh Sober Living reached a pivotal milestone with the official launch of our Charter platform. This initiative empowered independent owner-operators to establish and manage their own sober living homes under the Vanderburgh Sober Living brand. By providing comprehensive tools, resources, and ongoing support, we ensured that these operators could maintain the highest standards in recovery housing while preserving their autonomy.

  • Platform Launch: We successfully launched the Charter platform, offering a robust framework for independent owner-operators.
  • First Chartered Operators: The first independent operators signed on, marking the beginning of our collaborative expansion model.

2021: Growth Across New England

In 2021, Vanderburgh Sober Living continued its growth across New England with our Chartered Operator network and support platform. This expansion allowed us to bring our supportive recovery housing model to a broader range of communities, providing safe and structured environments for individuals in recovery across the region.

2022: Continued Charter Growth and Future Vision

In 2022, Vanderburgh Sober Living achieved significant growth by onboarding new operators in North Carolina, Illinois, and the remaining states in New England. This strategic expansion solidified our presence in key regions and enhanced our ability to provide quality recovery housing across the country.

  • National Expansion: We expanded our network by onboarding operators in North Carolina, Illinois, and the remaining New England states.
  • Largest NARR Network: We became the largest network of NARR Level II homes in the United States, highlighting our leadership in the recovery housing sector.

2023: Charitable Foundation and Structural Enhancements

In 2023, Vanderburgh Sober Living took a transformative step by becoming a charitable foundation, reinforcing our mission to support recovery housing on a larger scale. As part of this transition, we refined our Charter model, enhancing the service structure to better support our operators and residents.

Additionally, we expanded our operational capacity by opening a regional headquarters in Webster, MA, positioning ourselves for continued growth and improved service delivery.

  • Charitable Foundation: We transitioned to a charitable foundation, strengthening our commitment to supporting recovery housing.
  • Charter Model Refinement: We refined our Charter model, improving the service structure to better support operators and residents.
  • New Headquarters: We opened a regional headquarters in Webster, MA

2024: Expanding Horizons with New Programs take the vibration

In 2024, Vanderburgh Sober Living continues to expand its horizons as we build upon the foundation laid by our new charitable status. Our focus this year is on extending our national reach even further while developing innovative programs to better support our operators and enhance the quality of our recovery housing.

These new initiatives are designed to empower our operators, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to succeed in providing top-tier support to those in recovery.

 

Whether you’re an aspiring operator, an established owner, a guest, or a partner, there’s a place for you in the VSL community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those on the path to recovery. Let’s continue building recovery communities where hope and healing thrive. Schedule a Consultation with Us to learn how you can become a Chartered Operator and make a lasting impact in the recovery community. Your journey toward a fulfilling and purpose-driven career in sober living starts here.