MASH MASH Standards

She has been volunteering for charitable organizations from an early age and has focused on the youth in her community as well as her prior residence in North Conway, New Hampshire. (v) verify good standing with regard to local, state and federal laws and any regulations and ordinances including, but not limited to, building, maximum occupancy, fire safety and sanitation codes. While not mandated by state law, obtaining appropriate coverage mitigates risks.

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massachusetts association of sober housing

Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence. Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff. Here are some of the questions we receive about sober mash housing housing in Massachusetts. BehaveHealth.com stays current with industry changes by attending conferences like the annual NARR conference where experts discuss best practices in recovery housing.

“The nine sober homes and other recovery focused programming CCRI helped finance in 2023 also assisted family members – particularly children – who have been impacted by a relative in recovery.” Most facilities have house rules and an orderly environment that promotes sobriety, responsibility and accountability. While living at a sober living facility, most individuals are required to work part-time or be in school. They also often require residents to continue to attend counseling sessions, group therapy, 12-step programs and even life skills training as they transition back into society.

🚀 Looking to Certify a Sober House in Massachusetts?

Every month, 150,000 people search for addiction or mental health treatment on Recovery.com. Paul Molloy was a young lawyer on Capitol Hill who had a key role in drafting legislation that created Amtrak and other federal programs. He was also an alcoholic whose drinking would eventually cost him his job, his family and his home.

Allston-Brighton Community Development Corporation, Boston, $75,000Grant funds will help create 14 new affordable sober housing units for individuals in advanced recovery in Allston. Certification with MASH not only validates the quality of a sober home but also makes homes eligible for https://www.cashforcaravans.com.au/sneezing-causes-and-how-to-make-it-stop/ state-funded referrals and builds trust with residents and families. If you’re planning to operate a sober house in Massachusetts, following the certification process is an essential step.

Certification Application Steps

  • Before MASH will certify your sober home, your property must pass a detailed on-site inspection.
  • It was the first step in a nationwide movement, now almost 50 years old, that has been credited with helping thousands of people overcome addiction and lead productive lives.
  • Identified deficiencies must be addressed to maintain certification, reinforcing a commitment to quality care and support.
  • Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level.

In its simplest form, an Oxford House is a shared residence where people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction can live together and support each other in a drug and alcohol-free environment. The challenges I faced were also met with people who saw potential in me and helped me to start my journey. I attended Cambridge College in 2006 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Service in 2010. In 2016, I had my second child and made the decision to stay home while he was young; I am in the process of receiving my Masters of Social Work with a concentration in substance use disorders.

  • There’s no time limit on how long a member can live in an Oxford House.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance is necessary if staff are employed, providing coverage for work-related injuries or illnesses.
  • In 2012 Shaun and his wife Teri founded RAD Racing, a program to help youth in Lowell learn respect, work ethic, and mechanical skills by building, designing, and racing 1/24 slot cars.
  • She has been volunteering for charitable organizations from an early age and has focused on the youth in her community as well as her prior residence in North Conway, New Hampshire.

Core Principle: Provide a Home-like Environment: The residence is comfortable, inviting, and meets residents’ needs

massachusetts association of sober housing

It is up to the individual to utilize the tools they’ve learned in recovery in order to stay clean and sober. Each recovering individual has one foot in their recovery continuum building a support group for themselves once they leave us, and the other foot in everyday life. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a residence that has not received certification from operating or advertising as alcohol and drug free housing or from offering residence to persons recovering from substance use disorders. The process involves a thorough review of policies, procedures, and the living environment.

“CCRI serves some of our state’s most vulnerable residents who are working to overcome or are impacted by substance misuse,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “This funding helps mission-based organizations that work every day to help people recover from addiction by providing quality housing in a sober setting with supportive services.” Sober houses in Massachusetts play a crucial role in supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

Program Overview

A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences was founded. NARR established national standards for recovery residences, which MASH adopted and tailored to meet the specific needs of Massachusetts. This alignment with NARR standards helped MASH strengthen its certification process and expand its influence across the state​. Casa Esperanza, Boston, $20,682 Grant funds will help support the renovation of 14 units of sober housing for women and their children in Sober living house Boston. Gandara Center, Springfield, $14,000Grant funds will help renovate eight units of affordable sober housing for men at Miracle House in Springfield. North Star Family Services, Leominster, $125,000Grant funds will help create 14 units of affordable supportive housing for families in Leominster.

She has been with Jeanne D’Arc since 2010 when she began her career as a teller at the Lowell branch. She has since navigated through various positions within the Credit Union, including Lead Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, and now AVP, Financial Wellness. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Curry College, majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism and minoring in business management, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Marisol is a Captain currently assigned as the Commander of Training, Recruiting and Hiring.

Rise Again: Structured Sober Living Scholarships for Women

Our organization also provides supervision and training for sober homes, and maintains a database of more than 180 MASH-certified sober homes. In 2023, the significance of the Massachusetts NARR affiliate has grown due to increasing demand for structured sober living environments amid the ongoing opioid crisis. MASH ensures that certified sober homes provide a stable environment conducive to long-term recovery by adhering to NARR’s guidelines Affiliates National Alliance for Recovery Residences. Curran’s Calling is a nonprofit scholarship foundation dedicated to helping individuals seeking recovery access structured sober living by providing financial assistance. Their scholarships bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and independent living, relieving some of the financial burden placed on individuals and their families.

These trainings equip operators and staff with the knowledge to maintain compliance, support residents, and foster sustainable sober living communities. Association For Sober Living offers a range of services to support individuals struggling with substance use disorder, alcoholism, etc.. These services may include detoxification, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare planning.

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