The Welcome House (WH) Sober Living Recovery Program is a Level III Recovery Residence dedicated to men aged 21 and older who are experiencing substance use disorder (SUD). This program offers financially accessible, stable, and substance-free housing to support men in early recovery. Recognizing that substance use often coexists with mental and physical health issues, legal challenges, homelessness, and social isolation, Welcome House emphasizes residential stability as a critical foundation for long-term sobriety and life success. Research confirms that prolonged residence in a supportive, drug-free environment significantly improves chances of lasting recovery, financial stability, and overall well-being.

Program Leadership & Approach

The program operates under the guidance of certified staff and a licensed program director (Licensed Master Social Worker), ensuring professional oversight and personalized care. Welcome House helps men transition from active substance use, treatment, incarceration, or homelessness to become productive, healthy members of the community. The program addresses risk factors such as co-occurring mental illness, physical health challenges, unemployment, poverty, trauma, and fractured relationships. At the same time, it fosters protective factors including stable housing, gainful employment, social support, and positive community engagement.

Target Population & Demographics

Welcome House primarily serves men from Jackson County, Missouri, and nearby counties in Missouri and Kansas. The majority of participants are between the ages of 25 and 44, reflecting national data showing men are at greater risk of fatal overdose throughout their lifespans. The client population mirrors Jackson County’s racial and ethnic diversity, with approximately 63% white, 21% Black/African American, 5% Hispanic/Latino, and smaller percentages from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Program Structure & Services

Residential Stability & Accountability

Clients typically reside at Welcome House for six to twelve months. Upon entry, men undergo a probationary period of approximately 30 days, during which they receive a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. This three-tiered clinical evaluation identifies co-occurring disorders and informs a holistic, individualized treatment plan. After this initial phase, clients progress through three core program levels (Level I, II, and III), each lasting 60 to 90 days. These phases focus on building personal responsibility, recovery skills, and life stability.

Therapeutic & Vocational Support

Throughout their stay, participants attend recovery meetings, rehabilitative workshops, and receive weekly counseling, coaching, and mentoring from qualified staff. The program follows evidence-based practices embedded in a peer-to-peer support model within a therapeutic community environment. Welcome House incorporates the Seeking Safety model, an evidence-based trauma-informed treatment approach endorsed by SAMHSA.

Participants are screened regularly for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with scores triggering internal and external referrals for mental health support as needed. This integrated care approach allows clients to address co-occurring mental health conditions alongside their substance use disorder, which is critical for sustained recovery.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Welcome House offers robust workforce development programming through its Rehabilitative Jobs and Jumpstart programs. Residents work to secure living-wage employment and contribute a daily program fee ($24). When immediate employment is unavailable, men may work on-site in essential operational roles, fostering responsibility, dignity, and practical skills that enhance employability and long-term stability.

Community & Peer Support

Recovery Coaching & Alumni Engagement

The program emphasizes community through peer support. Welcome House University provides classes and workshops on topics like relapse prevention, financial literacy, and healthy relationships, preparing residents for life after the program. Recovery Coaching pairs current residents with trained volunteers in long-term recovery, offering mentorship and encouragement.

Graduates can participate in the CORE+ program, which allows them to live semi-independently, continue their recovery journey, and serve as peer coordinators to assist other residents. The Thrive Alumni program helps maintain social connection and recovery support post-discharge through weekly meetings and events.

Family Involvement

Recognizing the importance of family relationships in recovery, Welcome House offers the Restore Program, providing facilitated support groups and resources for clients’ family members. The new facility features a private dining room to host meaningful family gatherings and celebrations, strengthening bonds and fostering hope.

Outcomes & Impact

Welcome House tracks several key outcomes to measure program success:

•    Retention of new residents through the probationary period

•    Completion of individualized treatment plans

•    Employment obtained through onsite programs or community jobs

•    Compliance with program and treatment requirements

•    Maintenance of sobriety throughout the program

•    Successful residency duration of six to twelve months (adjusted to individual needs)

•    Secure employment and stable housing upon discharge

•    Completion of a comprehensive discharge plan to support long-term recovery

These outcomes align with the program’s mission to reduce substance use, improve life stability, and facilitate community reintegration.

Program Growth & Accessibility

Welcome House has experienced significant growth in recent years. After adjusting services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program returned to pre-pandemic capacity and expanded with a new facility. Service numbers increased from 468 residents served in 2022 to 542 in 2023, with 241 residents already served in 2024. The program anticipates serving up to 748 men in 2025, a 38% increase from 2023.

The program maintains a low barrier to entry: the only requirement is a willingness to stay sober. Financial, employment, housing, and insurance status do not restrict participation, ensuring accessibility to all men seeking recovery support.

Comprehensive Services

Welcome House provides a comprehensive, evidence-based, peer-supported recovery residence designed to meet the complex needs of men with substance use disorders. By combining structured residential stability, therapeutic interventions, vocational training, and community engagement, the program supports men in overcoming risk factors and building a foundation for long-term sobriety and productive community life.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.