15 years ago I, (John Dunleavy, Co-Founder, President & CEO of Affordable) was struggling with an addiction problem. During this time I entered several different treatment centers and recovery homes which offered a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in and some structure. I would enter these programs like a revolving door staying long enough to clean up, build back the trust of family and friends or get my job back. I noticed the same pattern over and over not just from me but other individuals searching to better themselves.

One day I made a list of reasons why I was leaving and the pressures that were put upon me during the first few weeks in the program.

1. I needed money to walk in the door.
2. Find a job in a week or you will be discharged.
3. Provide transportation to appointments, groups, meetings, job search, etc.
4. Finding communication sources for the above.
5. Pay for laundry machines, soap, toiletries, house cleaning supplies, etc.
6. Manage money.
7. Idle time.

Keep in mind all the bridges have been burnt. The majority of individuals entering a substance abuse program are homeless, jobless and broke. Their families, friends and neighbors close the door on them leaving them mentally and physically bankrupt.

With the pressure and stress most individuals tend to get discouraged and go back to the streets and the drugs. I felt that I couldn't focus on my recovery with the added stress of finding a job in a week, money to buy food and other necessary items to survive.

Solution: Provide everything. If we provide everything then a person can focus on building a solid recovery program and network. The key is building a strong foundation and socializing with other recovering people by attending AA meetings.

I observed long term sobriety from the people who were helping others. They were the person who had the glow about them and that was what I wanted and Affordable Recovery Housing to represent.

In 2003 I entered a Recovery Home that had the same rules, regulations and rotating door as the others. I mentioned to my roommates the ideas I had in the past. They all agreed that this could possibly be a solution and were ready to help. The problem was that we didn't have any money to pursue this dream.

I always believed in the power of prayer and eventually our prayers were answered. They were answered in the form of a garbage strike and the Cubs in the playoffs. My roommate mentioned using a friend's truck to go around the local businesses and pick up their garbage for a fee. It worked. 2 days later we had 6 - 17' U-Haul trucks moving around the clock. There were 25 individuals that were employed who lived in the Recovery Home. Most of our stops were the bars and restaurants around Wrigley Field. How ironic that as recovering alcoholics we were picking up beer and liquor bottles from the bars some of us went into. This just made me realize that God truly had a sense of humor. With the money earned we paid our Program Fees and in arrears fees. There was money left over and we purchased a van, construction tools and a down payment for our 1st Recovery Home in Palos Hills which 7 of us moved into right away.

In February, 2004 Warren Blazina (Co-Founder and Vice President of Affordable) entered the Palos Hills home bringing another dimension to the program. Warren is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of the construction industry. His expertise brought positive change to Affordable.

When we started this home and program we did it because we wanted to help others. This in turn helps us with our Recovery Program. This way of thinking worked better than we could have ever imagined. Our clients are provided a service in the "How To's" in resume writing, job applications and effective interviewing.

95% of our clients/students after a successful completion of (1) one year have gone on to become productive members of society. The majority of clients that enter our program come from prisons, shelters, institutions and/or the streets of homelessness.

We believe our Program is the best in Illinois. Affordable addresses individual needs of the client. We offer them an opportunity that no other organizations can offer to change their lives. We are "THE ONE STOP SHOP!"

Our Mission is to impact lives in ways that will restore hope to the people and bring lasting change to the community. Affordable Recovery Housing empowers people to rise above their circumstances, get involved and take initiative in their own healing process.

Our Vision is to help individuals reach their full potential by the power and Grace of God and the resident's active role in recovery with guidance, discipline and direction.

This facility located in Blue Island is the old Mother of Sorrows Catholic High School. It sits on 6.7 acres of land with 120,000 square feet of classrooms and housing. Clients are in a 2 man dorm style room with access to a weight room, pool table room, and a full size gymnasium. Each floor has a small kitchen area with a microware to heat up food. Our cafeteria is opened for breakfast and dinner with a 5 star chef preparing daily meals. Support Services include:

• Linkage Agreements for Medical and Dental
• Case Management
• Recovery Education (group and one-on-one)
• Life Skills Group
• Employment Coaching
• Peer Lead Groups
• Outside Activities
• Transportation to Appts.
• Fellowship
• 12 Step Meetings
• Early morning exercise
• Smoking Area