All Bryan Shaffer had were clothes and hygiene products when he arrived in Bradford in January.
He took a big leap of faith, moving from Florida to the Keystone State without knowing anyone.
Shaffer had no place to stay until he found out about a men’s sober-living home and recovery service in the city. The Surr’enity House, operating at 80 Kennedy St. by The Network of the Spirit Ministries, is under the umbrella of Open Arms Community Church of Bradford.
“Being not from the area of Bradford and residing in the sobriety house afforded me the opportunity to not only be in recovery from drugs and/or alcohol but also learn to be responsible for myself once again,” Shaffer said.
The home has been in operation since October 2017, and on Wednesday the Bradford City Zoning Hearing Board granted a special exemption for the house to operate in the municipality.
“Now that our exception has been approved we will be actively seeking a second location,” said Dan Minich, who is the president of the organization. “We are still determining whether it will be a women’s facility or another men’s facility.”
The organization has a philosophy and vision to eliminate substance abuse and chemical dependency within individuals by providing a structured, supportive environment built on integrity, honesty, unity and 12-step values.
“Help for substance abuse and addiction only begins when we are able to admit complete defeat. We have to surrender our will and addiction to the Lord in order to find peace, serenity and a true pursuit of happiness,” organization officials said. “By stepping into sober living we are taking the first step, admitting we are powerless over our addiction and that our life has become unmanageable.”
The Surr’enity House is able to house seven residents and a manager. The home has three goals: Facilitate and oversee the structured and supportive environment needed to overcome substance abuse and chemical dependency; build community education and awareness through various networking strategies including active volunteerism, campaigning and political involvement; and transform lives through structure, love and support.
“We have had a few relapses that we have had to discharge for, but we are seeing more success stories than setbacks, which is our focus,” Minich said. “We cannot prevent relapse. Our goal is to increase the probability of success through support, structure and love.”
Potential tenants are thoroughly interviewed to ensure their sincerity to sobriety. The organization accepts individuals who are employed or looking for work.
“There were rules and guidelines put in place meant to teach us just that responsibility for oneself,” Shaffer said. “The management of the house and the other residents that were there when I arrived were of great benefit to me and very inspiring.”
Residents must also attend four meetings a week after being 90 days sober, and they must secure a sponsor and home group.
Tenants must also remain clean and sober and are subject to random drug tests.
“Failure to disclose if another resident has relapsed or broken any house rule is subject to immediate termination,” according to the house rules. “Abuse of prescription medication will not be tolerated and is grounds for termination.”
Two weeks after moving in, residents must find employment, outpatient, school or community service totaling at least 20 hours each week.
Other rules include completing chores assigned by the house manager and making beds upon waking.
“Any violation of the recovery tasks is grounds for termination; however, all violations will be reviewed by owner on a case by case basis,” according to information from the organization.
The transitional housing is financially supported by residents at a cost of $400 a month, which includes rent, utilities, cable and internet.
“We do provide assistance though for those that are not yet working until we can help them find employment,” Minich said. “Currently, all of our clients are working and paying full rent, so the strategy is working and we are completely self-supporting.”
In addition, the board of trustees put in place an annual campaign committee to bring in donations.
The organization regularly consults with the Maple Manor addiction treatment facility in Bradford Township and Bradford Regional Medical Center’s inpatient services. Minich said many people are referred to the home through various sources, treatment centers, Maple Manor, The Guidance Center and Bradford Regional Medical Center.
“My experience with this sobriety house was a good one and I would highly recommend it to any man who wants not only to recover from drugs and alcohol but also begin life anew,” Shaffer said.
Organization officials would like to open up another location in Bradford immediately, particularly for women, Minich said.
“However, we haven’t been able to identify a woman that could or is willing to run it,” he said. “Effective house management is the key to our operation which is what makes Joe Murphey, our current house manager, so vital to our success.”
