2025 Rocky Mountain Sober living Grant

Rocky Mountain Sober Living 2025 Grant proposal and policies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Rocky Mountain Sober Living offers a comprehensive and supportive environment for individuals navigating the path to recovery from substance use disorders. Located in Colorado Springs, our 6 homes combine serene surroundings with evidence-based practices to facilitate long-term sobriety and wellness.

At Rocky Mountain Sober Living, we prioritize holistic care through a dual approach: integrating the expertise of a peer recovery coach and an Addiction Medicine and Primary Care provider. This unique combination ensures that our clients receive personalized support tailored to their individual needs. Our peer recovery coach partnerships provide invaluable guidance and encouragement, drawing from personal experience to inspire hope and resilience. Simultaneously, our Addiction Medicine and Primary Care provider oversee medical aspects of recovery, including medication management and comprehensive health assessments, fostering holistic well-being.

With a commitment to fostering community, accountability, and personal growth, Rocky Mountain Sober Living stands as a beacon of hope in the journey toward sustained recovery. We invite you to join us in empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and thrive in sobriety.

SERVICE POPULATION:

Rocky Mountain Sober Living has 6 houses in total. This is comprised of 5 men’s homes and 1 women’s home. All homes are in Colorado Springs. The total bed count is 64; 54 men’s beds and 10 women’s beds. We serve ages 18 and up. Rocky Mountain Sober Living provides service to all those who suffer from Substance Use Disorder. We accept all forms of MAT. In general, we are a short-term facility, with a 3-6 month average stay. But we always encourage people to stay longer. Statistically, the longer clients stay in our sober homes, the more likely they are to maintain long-term recovery.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

a. Nondiscrimination Policy

Rocky Mountain Sober Living is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for clients, staff, and visitors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We promote equal opportunity and fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance. Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated within our homes or community. We strive to foster a culture of respect, dignity, and acceptance for everyone who walks through our doors.

b. Grievance Policy:

Rocky Mountain Sober Living is dedicated to addressing grievances promptly and fairly. Clients, staff, and visitors are encouraged to voice concerns or complaints regarding any aspect of our operations. Grievances can be submitted online or verbally to a designated staff member. Upon receipt, grievances will be thoroughly investigated and resolved promptly. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process, and individuals involved will be treated with respect and sensitivity. We are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring a supportive environment for all members of our community.

1. A Grievance slip form can be found at https://app.onestepsoftware.com/forms/x3Ve3AM

2. If a verbal complaint is being made to the Owner/Manager, they will assist the guests with filling out the grievance form located at https://app.onestepsoftware.com/forms/x3Ve3AM

c. Medication Policy

Rocky Mountain Sober Living prioritizes the safety and well-being of all residents. We recognize the importance of medication management in maintaining sobriety and overall health. Clients must securely store all prescription and over-the-counter medications in personal safes provided by our homes. Only clients are granted access to their designated safes. Staff members are available to assist with the safekeeping and monitoring medications as needed. Any concerns or changes in medication must be promptly communicated to staff for support and guidance. This policy ensures accountability, minimizes risks and promotes a supportive environment conducive to recovery.

d. Testing Policy – (UA’s / Breathalyzer

Zero-Tolerance: Rocky Mountain Sober Living LLC has a strict policy regarding the use of drugs and/or alcohol (This includes Marijuana or any form of THC-based CBD products, as well as Kratom, Kombucha, and Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes). Any use of these substances and/or contraband/paraphernalia found on premises will result in immediate action up to and including, but not limited to, non-compliance restriction and/or immediate discharge. Members with knowledge of other Members using and failing to inform staff will be subject to identical/similar action. “There are no False Positive test results”. All Test Results are valid; no excuses will be accepted.

Sobriety Monitoring: Members are subject to mandatory random urinalysis and breathalyzer screening. Rocky Mountain Sober Living uses Genesis Reference Labs for once-a-week drug screenings. Additionally, 1-2 instant UAs are given at the staff/house manager’s discretion or as often as necessary. The test administrator witnesses all UAs to ensure compliance. The member will be given 30 minutes from being asked to produce urinalysis. Upon being asked for a breathalyzer, the member must submit it immediately. Should the member fail to meet these guidelines or refuse any test, immediate action will be taken, up to and including but not limited to the cancellation of the membership and immediate discharge.

Members can expect to have their belongings checked within the house and any mode of transportation they use. If a search is refused, immediate action will be taken, up to and including, but not limited to, the cancellation of the membership and immediate discharge.

Physical or verbal abuse acts, threats of violence, and hostile behaviors WILL NOT be tolerated. Immediate action will be taken, including but not limited to behavioral contracts; immediate action will be taken, up to and including but not limited to the cancellation of the membership and immediate discharge.

Members are NOT permitted to remain on the property if they are found to be under the influence or test positive for any prohibited substance. In the event of a relapse, the situation will be handled case-by-case. Members will be offered a ride to detox or hospital by staff. Staff will not take Members to an unknown/unsafe location. If a member refuses detox/hospital, the member will be allowed 30 minutes (with staff/house manager supervision) to find a ride away from the property. If a ride is not obtained, further action may be taken, including but not limited to contacting local law enforcement. If a member attempts to operate a vehicle at this time, local law enforcement will be contacted immediately.

MEETING REQUIREMENTS:

1. How many meetings do you expect your clients to attend per week

Our program requires five recovery-related activities per week.

2 What qualifies as a meeting

Recovery Participation Defined: Members are required to be working on their recovery. This is achieved by doing five recovery-related activities per week. This can be accomplished in many ways: 12-step in-person meetings, Smart Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, Darma, going to the Phoenix gym (Only One Visit to Phoenix per week Mon-Sun counts), Professional Therapy, and Peer Coaching; the weekly peer support group at the sober home counts as one activity, as does meeting with a peer coach individually. RMSL understands that there are many paths to recovery. We expect active participation in each client’s recovery. If a client is not working on a program, membership will be canceled, and the client will be removed from the RMSL program. Please note that Zoom 12-step meetings do not count toward recovery-related activities.

3. What services do you provide to remove the barriers for your clients to attend meetings:

Most of our houses are within a 30-minute walk of an AA Meeting. We are applying for a grant to hire a full-time peer coach, who will significantly aid in this. We have group chats that all members of each home are a part of. We encourage members to reach out in the chat to catch rides to meetings that others in the homes are going to. RMSL also provides bicycles for those who wish to use one.

4 Do you have pro-social activities for your client?

At a minimum, Rocky Mountain Sober Living has quarterly House BBQs and takes everyone who desires to shoot pool at a local pool hall. We also have planned trips to take clients fishing up in the mountains. RMSL also encourages each house to formulate its social activities based on each individual house’s desires. We also host a quarterly house manager meeting/dinner at our home.

BEST PRACTICES:

Describe how your house uses the 11 Best Practices description provided by SAMSHA.

Be Recovery Centered

Rocky Mountain Sober Living exemplifies recovery-centered best practices in substance abuse support. Our approach prioritizes individualized care, empowering residents on their unique paths to sobriety. Embracing holistic wellness, we provide comprehensive support addressing physical, emotional, and social needs. Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care are integral in fostering trust and inclusivity. Peer support networks enhance accountability and solidarity, which are crucial for sustained recovery. Through outcome measurement and community engagement, Rocky Mountain Sober Living creates a nurturing environment conducive to long-term healing. Our commitment to recovery-centered care embodies hope and resilience, guiding individuals toward brighter, substance-free futures.

Promote Person-Centered, Individualized and Strengths-Based Approaches.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living champions recovery through person-centered, individualized, and strengths-based approaches. The program ensures personalized care and empowerment by tailoring recovery plans to each client's needs and goals. The person-centered focus respects clients' voices in shaping their recovery journey, fostering dignity and collaboration. Strengths-based methods highlight and build upon clients' inherent strengths and abilities, promoting hope and confidence. This approach encourages the development of new skills and resilience, creating a supportive environment for sustainable recovery and personal growth. Overall, Rocky Mountain Sober Living provides a nurturing space where individualized care and strengths are central to recovery.

Incorporated the Principles of the Social Model Approach.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living incorporates the principles of the social model approach by fostering a supportive, community-oriented environment essential for recovery. Emphasizing peer support, the program encourages clients to share experiences and build strong, positive relationships. The social model approach prioritizes mutual aid and collective accountability, helping clients to develop social skills and a sense of belonging. Individuals gain confidence and resilience by engaging in community activities and support groups. This collaborative atmosphere, combined with a focus on holistic well-being, ensures that clients are treated and integrated into a thriving, recovery-focused community.

Promote Equity and Ensure Cultural Competence.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living promotes equity and ensures cultural competence by creating an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity. The program provides culturally sensitive care tailored to the unique backgrounds of each client. Staff are trained in cultural competence, ensuring they understand and respect different cultural perspectives and experiences. By fostering open communication and promoting understanding, the program addresses disparities and works to eliminate biases in treatment. This commitment to equity ensures that all clients receive fair, respectful, and personalized support, empowering them to succeed in their recovery journeys regardless of their cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds.

Ensure quality, integrity, and resident safety and reject patient Brokerage.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living ensures quality and integrity by adhering to rigorous standards and ethical practices. The program prioritizes client safety through comprehensive support and secure living environments. Transparent operations and a commitment to ethical care reinforce trust and accountability. Rejecting patient brokering, Rocky Mountain Sober Living focuses solely on the well-being and recovery of its clients, avoiding any financial incentives for referrals. This ethical stance ensures that decisions are always made in the client's best interest, fostering a safe, trustworthy, and high-quality environment conducive to sustainable recovery and personal growth.

Integrate Co-Occurring and Trauma-Informed Approaches.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living integrates co-occurring and trauma-informed approaches to provide comprehensive, holistic care. Recognizing the complex interplay between substance use and mental health disorders, the program offers integrated treatment plans that address both issues simultaneously. Trauma-informed care principles ensure that clients receive support in a safe, empathetic environment sensitive to past traumas and their impacts on recovery. Staff are trained to understand trauma responses and to avoid re-traumatization, fostering a healing atmosphere. Combining these approaches, Rocky Mountain Sober Living ensures that clients receive well-rounded, compassionate care that addresses the root causes of their challenges and supports lasting recovery.

Establish a Clear Operation Definition.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living has established a clear operational definition to ensure consistency, transparency, and service quality. This definition outlines the program's mission, values, and standards of care, emphasizing person-centered, individualized support. It details the protocols for daily operations, client interactions, and staff responsibilities, ensuring a structured yet flexible approach to recovery. By clearly defining its operational framework, Rocky Mountain Sober Living maintains high standards of accountability and professionalism. This clarity helps clients and staff understand expectations and goals, fostering a cohesive and supportive environment conducive to effective recovery and personal growth.

Establish and Share Written Policies, Procedures, and Client Expectations.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living believes having written policies, procedures, and client expectations is crucial for ensuring a safe, structured, and transparent environment. These documents provide clear guidelines on daily operations, behavioral standards, and staff-client interactions, fostering consistency and accountability. Written policies help prevent misunderstandings, ensure fair treatment, and uphold the program's values and standards. Clearly defined expectations empower clients by informing them of their rights and responsibilities, contributing to a respectful and supportive community. This structured approach enhances the effectiveness of the recovery process, promoting a harmonious and well-organized living environment where clients can thrive.

Importance of Certification.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living believes that state certification is vital for ensuring the highest standards of care and accountability. State certification signifies that the program meets rigorous regulatory requirements and adheres to best practices in addiction recovery. This certification enhances trust and credibility, reassuring clients and their families of the program's commitment to quality and safety. It ensures that services are continuously monitored and improved. By maintaining state certification, Rocky Mountain Sober Living demonstrates its dedication to providing practical, ethical, and professional support, which fosters successful, long-term recovery outcomes.

Promote Evidence-Based Practices.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living promotes evidence-based practices by integrating the latest research and proven methodologies into its program. Our program employs Peer Recovery Coaches, addiction Medicine providers, and Primary Care providers to ensure effective recovery outcomes. This commitment to evidence-based practices ensures that clients receive the highest quality of care tailored to their specific needs, which enhances the likelihood of sustained recovery and personal growth in a supportive, scientifically informed environment.

Evaluate Program Effectiveness.

Rocky Mountain Sober Living meticulously evaluates program effectiveness through a multifaceted approach. Initially, we employ quantitative metrics, tracking clients' progress against predefined goals, assessing sobriety duration, and measuring participation in recovery-related activities. Additionally, qualitative feedback from clients and staff is gathered, ensuring a holistic understanding of individual experiences and challenges. Regular assessments of clients' emotional and mental well-being contribute to a comprehensive evaluation. Through this rigorous evaluation process, Rocky Mountain Sober Living ensures continuous improvement and personalized support for each client on their journey to sobriety.