Justin Beatty and Sharon Cranfill spoke during the Recovery Residences Summit last week. Jarrod McGlothen / News-Examiner
The Recovery Residences Summit, hosted by the Indiana Association of Recovery Residences (INARR), proved to be a significant success, fostering a spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among advocates and operators of recovery housing.
Justin Beatty, a prominent figure in the recovery housing field, shared insights into the summit’s origins, objectives, and its profound impact on the recovery residence community.
The summit was born out of a shared concern for the need for safe and stable housing, especially for individuals grappling with substance abuse issues.
“Indiana has a strong foundation for recovery housing, and at INARR, we are committed to ensuring that all communities have access to ethical, safe, supportive, and well-managed recovery housing,” Beatty said.
The driving force behind the summit’s inception was Sharon Cranfill, from Connersville’s House of Ruth. With a deep passion for recovery, Cranfill’s vision of exemplary recovery housing inspired the idea. Partnering with INARR, the aim was clear: to establish an annual event where recovery housing operators and enthusiasts could come together, network, and learn from industry leaders.
The summit had several primary objectives. Foremost among them was fostering connections, sharing best practices, and establishing methods to ensure the safety and stability of recovery housing.
“We aim to create more consistent practices and standards to ensure safe and stable housing, following the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards,” Beatty stated.
One of the summit’s pivotal aspects was its role in educating recovery housing operators and advocates. Beatty noted, “Recovery housing is often initiated and managed by advocates who may not have prior housing or business experience. The summit provides a platform to learn best practices, address common issues, and learn from those who have overcome similar challenges.”
The summit’s theme, “S.O.S. (Start. Operate. Succeed.),” guided various sessions. State experts led discussions on crucial topics such as recovery residence policy and procedure, house maintenance, recovery residence-specific ethics, and the process of earning state-level housing certification. Distinguished speakers included members of the House of Ruth team, representatives from the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA), INARR, DC USA, Life After Meth, Hope for Hurting Parents, and Oxford House.
Networking opportunities were an integral part of the summit. Interactive presentations encouraged participants to share their experiences, address common challenges, and offer support during breaks. “We witnessed a wealth of networking during the breaks, with participants exchanging resources and support,” Beatty noted.
The future of the Recovery Residences Summit looks promising. Beatty expressed, “We plan to make this an annual event. Additionally, we aim to utilize the knowledge gained to guide our monthly recovery housing education series and other initiatives through INARR.”
Inclusivity and representation were fundamental principles. INARR leveraged its extensive statewide presence to ensure diverse perspectives and experiences within the recovery residence field were well-represented. Beatty affirmed, “Our aim was to include various styles of recovery housing and state-level representation to foster inclusivity.”
Individuals or organizations interested in contributing to future Recovery Residences Summits are encouraged to visit INARR’s website at inarr.org or follow them on Facebook.
The summit featured success stories from individuals who have expanded recovery housing and ensured the availability of safe and stable environments. Presentations included stories of those who have used recovery housing as a stepping stone to rebuild their lives, demonstrating the profound impact of these efforts.
“I love watching the women grow and give back to the recovery community,” Cranfill said. “I have one special young lady that was a ‘mess’ when she came to the House of Ruth. She was from the Muncie area and she had went to a recovery center in South Carolina. Her mom contacted me about coming here after she left the rehab in SC. She felt she needed a long term program. Her children’s father had overdosed and died and she was tired. She was accepted into the program...did very well ... while she was in the program she received her Recovery Coach certification and now has furthered her education and works with the IRACS in Delaware County. She refers women from the Delaware County jail to the House of Ruth frequently. She is a great inspiration to many ... she is a definite example of Recovery is possible!”
The House of Ruth received the Recovery Residence of the Year 2022. There have been several organizations, groups and individuals that ask Cranfill how to open a Recovery Residence.
“I try to give them as much information as possible but I am very busy myself so I spoke with Linda Stevens from INARR and Justin Beattey from MHAI ask them about putting something together so we could have a training with the information needed on starting a Recovery Residenceand the Summit started there. We are already making plans for next year!”
The summit’s ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone has access to safe and stable housing, regardless of their recovery status. As the Recovery Residences Summit concludes, it leaves a lasting legacy of hope, collaboration, and a brighter future for those seeking safe housing on their journey to recovery. This annual event embodies the spirit of resilience and community essential for lasting recovery.
The Connersville community and its town leadership stand as a testament to the power of a supportive environment in fostering recovery. The summit’s success reflects the dedication of individuals like Justin Beatty and the collective commitment to making safe and stable housing accessible to all on the path to recovery.
The Recovery Residences Summit is a testament to the positive impact of collaboration, education, and advocacy in the recovery housing field. As it continues to grow, it will undoubtedly contribute to the positive transformation of countless lives, providing them with a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
With each passing year, the summit is poised to make an even greater impact, furthering the cause of safe and stable housing for all individuals in recovery.
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