An organization that helps individuals who have faced alcohol and drug addiction has expanded its presence in the Bradford area.

Network of the Spirit Ministries Inc. recently opened a women’s sober-living home, The Gratitude House, in Bradford. Last year, the ministry opened a men’s home, The Surr’enity House. Both homes are based on a 12-step recovery structure.

“Clients can stay as long as they desire,” organization President Dan Minich said. “Our leadership team supports them in re-entering the community and finding sustainable employment. We do not turn anyone away due to the inability to pay, so the ministry will support them until they can begin paying their own rent.”

The women’s home is able to house seven women and one house manager, the same as the men’s home.

Anyone familiar with McKean County more than likely understands there have been issues here for a long time relating to poverty, substance abuse and addiction, Minich said.

“Approximately three years ago the community decided to initiate discussions involving understanding the issues of addiction and substance abuse along with potential solutions, including increasing resources to law enforcement in an effort to slow the flow of narcotics in our area,” he said. “This was much-needed dialogue in encouraging our leaders and community members to begin strategic planning efforts that would provide potential solutions to our increasing epidemic.

“It didn’t take long for officials to realize that a major step on the path of a solution is providing these individuals support,” he said.

“Addicts and alcoholics aren’t all bad people,” Minich said. “Most of them did not choose this path. In truth, they are some of the most resourceful, intelligent and loving people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. They want to work. They want to contribute. They want a future. They want the best for their families and loved ones. They want the exact same things we do. But they cannot get there without support.”

That’s where the sober-living homes come into play. Minich said he has had first-hand experience with sober-living homes, including one in Pittsburgh in 2010.

“This was the very first time that I was able to begin learning and understanding how to live life in recovery,” he said. “It was a home filled with individuals who had very little if any support at all outside their house companions and the recovery networks the structure of the home gave them.”  

Eligibility to reside in either of the sober-living homes includes seeking long-term sobriety with a commitment to working a 12-step program; being willing to comply with house rules such as meeting attendance, house meetings and recommended care; completing an interview to evaluate compatibility; being employed or receiving an income; and being medically and mentally stable.

According to the ministry, the homes have a solvent business model with monthly rent income paying for all overhead expenses. To make this project possible, the group privately financed approximately $150,000 to put this mission into operation. Over the next several months, ministry officials will be asking the community to help lower their financing expense so that all proceeds can be allocated strictly to mission advancement.

For more information about the Network of the Spirit Ministries, see https://bradfordsoberliving.com.