Introduction
The problem of addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs is one that can be overcome by the
addicted individual and society at large. However, cost-effective and innovative tools must be
adopted to encourage and assure prevention of alcohol or other drug abuse and, above all, to
assure prevention of relapse once an individual shows the desire to change his or her lifestyle.
The self-run, self-supported recovery home provides an opportunity for individuals to live in a
supportive peer environment as long as they do not relapse into using alcohol and drugs.
Recovery from the disease of alcoholism or other drug addiction is often plagued by relapse –
which is simply the use of alcohol or addictive drugs following a period of abstinence. For those
addicted to drugs, a relapse can trigger a return to uncontrolled drug use.
The self-run, self-supported recovery home provides many recovering individuals effective relapse
prevention because of: (1) the support gained from living with other individuals coping with the same
problem; and (2) the knowledge that any use of alcohol or drugs will result in immediate expulsion.
The concept underlying self-run, self-supported recovery homes is the same as the one underlying
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous – addicted individuals can help themselves by helping
each other abstain from alcohol and drug use one day at a time for a long enough time to permit a new
set of values to be substituted for the values of a lifestyle in which alcohol and drugs were used.
I hope this concept will motivate community leaders, treatment providers, and individuals recovering from
alcoholism or other drug addiction to work together to provide a cost-effective way to give every
addicted individual the opportunity and support to regain the ability to live a free and productive life.
JobsHouse provides a self-help recovery environment that reinforces behavioral change over the long
term. The length of time needed for one to become comfortable with an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle
differs, however, for each individual. Therefore, there is no time limit on how long an individual can live in a
JobsHouse.
All members of JobsHouse benefit from the three underlying goals of JobsHouse – Recovery,
Responsibility and Replication.
• Recovery is the process by which addicted individuals become free of the results of addiction for the
rest of their lives;
• Responsibility is the means by which an individual gradually assumes control over his or her lifestyle
so that choices can be consistently made to avoid the use of alcohol and drugs;
• Replication is the means by which addicted individuals living in a self-run, self-supported recovery
house share their newfound lifestyle of living in an alcohol and drug-free environment with other individuals
having a similar desire by starting other recovery houses.
The purpose of this paper is to explain both the concept and the nuts and bolts of self-run, self-supported
recovery houses. Once begun, houses can be replicated throughout the nation so that eventually anyone
who wants to promote recovery from addiction through residence in a self-supported, self-run recovery
house will be able to do so.
JobsHouse provides the benefits of prolonged hospitalization without the destruction of self-esteem.
Self-esteem is restored through the exercise of responsibility, helping others, re-socialization, and
constructive pride in maintaining an alcohol and drug free living environment without dependency upon any
outside authority or help.
The self-run, self-supported recovery home is not new. Oxford House, Inc. has demonstrated that it can work
well. The experience of Oxford House, Inc. demonstrates that the cost-effective, self-run, self-supported
recovery house can be replicated on a mass basis across the country.
A self-supported, self-run recovery home is an important tool for recovery from addiction to alcohol and
drugs because it provides an alcohol and drug-free living environment in which recovering individuals help
each other. This principle of self-help is the bedrock of treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction.
Houses suitable for rental as self-run, self-supported recovery homes exist. Zoning barriers which may
have existed in the past no longer exist. The mechanics of renting houses, furnishing them and operating
them as self-run, self-supported recovery houses are not difficult, but they do require organization and
encouragement. The concept and system of operation developed by JobsHouse, Inc. is available to
government officials, treatment professionals and the recovery community to help develop self-run,
self-supported recovery houses on a mass basis.
JobsHouse is a concept and a system of operation. The two go hand-in-hand. The concept is that
recovering individuals can live together and democratically run an alcohol and drug-free living environment
which supports the recovery of every resident. The system of operation is the nuts and bolts of how to
make The JobsHouse Program.
Executive Summary:
Welcome to JobsHouse, Inc.
JobsHouse, Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt, publicly supported corporation which acts as a supportive
organization for the national network of JobsHouses. It provides quality control by organizing regional
houses into chapters and by relying heavily upon the national network of Alcoholics Anonymous and
Narcotics Anonymous groups.
While JobsHouse is not affiliated with AA or NA, its members realize that recovery from alcoholism and
drug addiction can only be assured by the changing of their lifestyle through full participation in AA and
NA. In most communities, the members of those organizations help JobsHouses get started and report
any compliance problems with respect to a particular house.
As soon as JobsHouse, Inc. hears of such problems, it takes corrective action because the name of
JobsHouse is an important factor in the recovery of thousands of individuals.
JobsHouse, Inc. is the Financial and Outreach Services Operation that is funded by a combination of
public and private foundation grants and service contracts. The Services staff participate in opening
new Houses in new areas and in monitoring the adherence of member Houses to the traditions of
JobsHouse.
The efforts of the Field Staff are supplemented by the Central Office, which interacts with all JobsHouses
on a regular basis, records and reports problems, and assists in resolving zoning questions. The
Financial Services Office administers loans to JobsHouses and tabulates data from the houses.
OUR VISION:
It is our vision that every individual in recovery from alcohol and other drug abuse will have meaningful
work to do and an alcohol and drug-free home to live in.
MISSION:
JobsHouse, Inc.’s mission is to provide people recovering from alcohol and other drug abuse with jobs and
a safe, drug-free environment to live in. We will accomplish this by opening and supporting self-run, self-
supported recovery homes.
VALUES:
We, the members of JobsHouse Inc., believe:
Having had a Spiritual awakening as the result of the Twelve Steps, the members of JobsHouse, Inc. will
carry the message of hope and sobriety to all people recovering from chemical dependency. We will
practice the principals of Rigorous Honesty, Willingness, Open-mindedness, Persistence, and Prayer and
Meditation in all our affairs.
Our common welfare will come first; personal recovery depends upon working with others.
The dignity of people and in the worth of the individual; we help people overcome problems by building self-
sufficiency, hope, and self-respect.
Partnership - As partners in our communities, we work to solve living problems and create opportunities to
live in their homes.
For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority - a loving God as He may express Himself in our
group conscience. Our leaders are trusted servants; they govern by consensus.
Our word is our bond.
The only requirement for association status / membership is a desire to work together and help people live
independent lives.
Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or the program as a whole.
That we recognize the right to be different and differ but shall not allow it to be divisive;
Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry its message to recovering people and their families.
Our most valuable assets are a well-trained, dedicated staff working as a team to meet any challenge;
Advocacy - We advocate for the needs and rights of the people we serve.
History
JobsHouse, Inc.’s main office is located in Hollywood, Florida. We occupy an office complex at 2905 Pierce
Street. We have been located at this address for five years. We have a computer and other
communication equipment, a technical research library and grant writing capabilities.
Mission and Vision Statement
Organization History and Profile
Bill Weaver & Associates, P.A.
Power by Design for Sober Living
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