Verification that laundry services are accessible to all residents. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated. Evidence that some rules are made by the residents that the residents (not the staff) implement.

A History of the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing

We expect our residents to be actively involved in an individual recovery plan. We facilitate in- house AA and NA meetings, and all residents are subject to supervised drug and alcohol testing. Evidence that mechanisms exist for residents to inform and help guide operations and advocate for community-building. Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment mash certified sober homes and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence. Policy and procedures that address residents’ prescription and non-prescription medication usage and storage consistent with the residence’s level and with relevant state law. Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff.

Recovery Resources for Massachusetts Sober House Residents

Policies and procedures that serve the priority population, which at a minimum include persons in recovery from substance use but may also include other demographic criteria. Policies that value individuals chosen for leadership roles who are versed and trained in the Social Model of recovery and best practices of the profession. Evidence that staff are encouraged https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to have a network of support. Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct. Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care. Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas.

E. Core Principle: Provide a Home-like Environment

Residents participate in weekly in-house meetings, random urine screens, and 12-step or other group-format meetings according to the level of support each resident requires. 27.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs. Transition (e.g. entry, phase movement and exit) rituals promote residents’ sense of belonging and confer progressive status and increasing opportunities within the recovery living environment and community. Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services. Ideally, eligibility to deliver services includes lived experience recovering from substance use disorders and the ability to reflect recovery principles. Our mission at NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR RECOVERY RESIDENCES (NARR) is to enhance access to quality recovery residences by setting standards, providing education, and advocating for those in addiction recovery.

Certifying a sober house with MASH

© 2024 💜  Vanderburgh Sober Living ™ is a cooperative network of independently operated sober living homes organized by The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation. The VSL and Vanderburgh House ™ brands are used with permission by VSL Chartered Operators. Schedule a consultation with VSL. 27.e Documentation that resident and staff engage in community relations and interactions to promote kinship with other recovery communities and goodwill for recovery services. Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources.

• Policies and procedures regarding collection of resident’s information.
• Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level.
• Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings.
• Paul needed a structured and supportive social life, he needed to be with others in recovery.

MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability for all certified sober homes in Massachusetts. The sober house certification standards set by MASH can be found here. We were founded jointly by Vanderburgh House, an operator of sober houses in Massachusetts, and Vanderburgh Communities, an organization supporting sober living and recovery home operators.

Additionally, MASH offers funding through its various grant programs to support sober housing initiatives. For example, the organization has facilitated significant investments in the expansion of permanent supportive housing across Massachusetts. Through these grants, MASH addresses critical needs, including helping individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find stable housing​. Search the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Living  (MASH) directory of all certified sober homes, which follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been inspected.

In accordance with this requirement, MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts. Our organization also provides supervision and training for sober homes, and maintains a database of more than 180 MASH-certified sober homes. Massachusetts recognizes the need for quality sober housing and recovery resources. The support provided by sober home communities is combined with local clinical recovery support organizations to serve those in recovery from addiction. As we say often at MASH, “Home is not a place. It is a feeling.”  Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery.

How MASH Certification Ensures Safe, Supportive Recovery Housing in Massachusetts

Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality. Use of an accounting system which documents all resident financial transactions such as fees, payments and deposits. Beverly has  excellent access to Route 128, five commuter rail stations and airport making it an easy place to work, visit or live.