I wish I knew of one! If anyone has done one or knows where to find one it would be really helpful…Below are some of my opinions and experiences on the subject…
My opinion and experience is that employment performance follows the recovery process. In the first year of recovery relapse is common, the brain is going through significant changes (healing) and lifestyle, family and work issues are difficult to address.
A common solution in the “nonprofit” treatment centers is called “Agency Jobs”. Providing employment as part of the treatment center recovery program. The longest running programs of this kind are the Salvation Army and Delancy Street.
Outside of the treatment center, the 12 Step community encourages the “Get Well” job. A job that “supports” recovery. Characteristics of a get well job is low stress, flexible hours and recovery friendly work environment. We see some successful “entrepreneurs in recovery” providing get well jobs to people in early recovery. The typical Sponsor direction is “get any job” it doesn’t matter just keep busy.
At the 12 Angels we have done research in looking for jobs that could provide revenue to the treatment center, job skills in growth industries and can be located at the treatment center. We have a number of business models for “Agency Jobs”.
We have created small pilot programs using micro credit and micro loan programs to stimulate hiring of the newly clean and sober. This is an area of great promise that needs some more work and development!
We’re going to be bringing you a series of stories not of hope, but of success. Many people in recovery are successful entrepreneurs who use their success to help others in our community. We’re certain that you be impressed by the accomplishments of our community, so please check back regularly for our latest stories on these inspiring individuals.
Isabelle Carter - ALMS
Alms Clothing - Los Angeles
ALMS is a high-end clothing design company with a reputation for quality materials and excellence in style. The company was established in late 2004. Isabelle is an experienced designer who was formerly trained at Parsons “The New School” of Design. Isabelle is not a recovering addict but is a family member affected by the disease. For Fall 07, her 3rd season, Gen Art selected Alms as one of the 3 New Garde Designers and provided her with a live installation to present her Collection during fashion week. Alms received various press and media attention. Women’s Wear Daily reported Isabelle Carter - Alms as “Designers to watch” in Los Angeles in 2007, CBS News, LA Times, LA Weekly, Apparel News, Nylon Magazine and GenArt Pulse.
John Travers -
John Travers’ founded Toolmasters, a specialty tool provider, in 2001. Mr Travers’ company has been growing rapidly. Sales have doubled this year. John Travers received a micro-loan at the end of 2007 from the 12 Angels after completing entrepreneurship training. John Travers sits on the board of directors of Chandler Lodge Foundation in North Hollywood. John Travers is a Chandler Lodge success story who gives back by providing jobs and opportunities in the recovery community.
