The Next Door:
The Next Door is a six month residential transitional living program located in downtown Nashville, Tennessee that provides recovery support services for women with an addiction to alcohol and drugs. The program receives applicants by referral from local jails/prisons, inpatient alcohol/drug treatment facilities, community mental health agencies, homeless shelters and other agencies who serve co-occurring clients. Potential residents must complete an application form and be interviewed before being accepted into The Next Door.
The Freedom Recovery Community:
In the Summer of 2007, The Next Door opened a second facility, the Freedom Recovery Community, to serve women in need of safe, affordable permanent housing for themselves and their children. The Freedom Recovery Community receives residents by referral from local transitional housing centers, emergency homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and other agencies with whom there is collaboration to provide services needed. The apartment complex provides twenty units for women with their children.
Poverty is the common trait of residents of Freedom Recovery Community, but other characteristics that prove to be hurdles to maintaining permanent housing are common to this population. These obstacles include a lack of knowledge of the requirements of independent living; preparation to obtain and keep a job; health problems stemming from addictive behaviors; mental health issues; and lack of transportation.
The Center will take intentional steps to assist in overcoming these obstacles, with the desired outcome being that residents and their children remain in safe and secure permanent housing. These include: an on-site job coach, counseling aimed at issues of independent living and developing financial responsibility, case management services and mentoring services, and family support classes.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Helping with WECC's annual Mother's Day and Christmas Party events
- Helping with The Next Door graduation, hosted by WECC in August
- Volunteer Receptionists
- Morning Meditation Leaders
- Dinner Volunteers
- Workforce Development Job Coaches
- Clothing Closet Volunteers
- Supplies and Donations Volunteers
- Hair Salon Volunteers
- Prayer support- for effort, strength, courage, energy, wisdom, and restoration
Contact: Mary Rufener 251-8805
CEO: Linda Leathers 251-8805
