History
The Beginnings
In Louisville, Kentucky, in 1969, residential treatment facilities for people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction were few, and during this time, a Louisville couple helping a family member find a place to continue to progress toward sobriety, decided that an additional facility that focused on after-treatment care was needed. As a result of their efforts and the generous contributions of many supporters who believed in their vision, the couple raised $1,000,000 and built the Beacon House on Second Street in Downtown Louisville. Since that time, the Beacon House has helped hundreds in their quest for sobriety.
Beacon House was envisioned as more than a half-way house and as one that would prepare residents for the eventuality of a sober, independent lifestyle by teaching life skills in a home-like environment as one part of a comprehensive recovery program. Currently, Beacon House is home to approximately 45 men who are in recovery for either drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or both. They are required to have employment, pay rent, stay clean and sober, participate in classes on recovery held on the premises, and regularly attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, all opportunities for residents to reinforce various life skills. For example, residents practice living by a set of rules and learning how to agree to disagree without being disagreeable within a supportive environment that encourages them to grow.
Former Beacon House Board President Mark Robinson made this statement in 1998:
“There is no doubt that the residents of Beacon House are miracles in process. The Beacon House model is, I believe, a sound one, and our financial model is also sound because the residents’ rent payments help cover the cost of operating and maintaining the facility.”
Beacon House is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization and depends upon continued financial support to keep the facility open and offering the miracle of recovery to individuals who suffer from an incurable, progressive, potentially fatal illness.
Beacon House alumni and their stories are the legacy of that visionary couple whose efforts in 1969 started the momentum that continues to help those recovering from alcohol and drug abuse to this day.
