As requested, I taught them how to cut open a chicken breast, like a book, pound it flat then “bread it” in flour, eggs and breadcrumbs. We made a mushroom, parsley, garlic and lemon sauce (not shown here) to bring it all together. With a focus on holistic wellness, Vanderburgh House provides a range of services and amenities designed to promote mindfulness and self-care.

1. Last night we blanched, squeezed and finely chopped six bags of spinach to mix with ricotta, Parmesan and nutmeg.
2. When they get the hang of a skill, they can then turn to a buddy who needs assistance.
3. We support each other’s path as well as to share what we have mastered.
4. Vanderburgh House has a great number of resources and we can refer you to therapists, programs, and licensed professionals as needed.

A sober living home creates fellowship and community that can help you get back to a life where you are happy and fulfilled. The proper support, combined with a safe environment and first hand know-how will guide you to experience a new way of being and behaving. A sober living environment reinforces honesty and integrity as it supports you on your journey to acquiring a great new lifestyle. On my first night of teaching cooking, in the Tharros kitchen, a home for recovering addicts, one of the guys blurted out “Are you gonna be comfortable working with 8 addicts? ”…My quick retort was “Yes, I am very much at home in a kitchen… Love the impact you are making and the relationships you are building with just time, a kitchen and acceptance.

Cola, muscles, and being a same-but-different family…

Our support program will afford you support while you mend relationships with family and friends. We know that you can have more fun and a much better life in sobriety; we also know that you’re having a hard time believing that statement right now. Learning to live a happy life free of alcohol and drugs takes time,  but you can do it if you want to. ​When you arrive at the house, you will undergo an initial discussion and orientation with the Program Director, including a dialogue on the past events that led you here.

Insights from the community

Our team provides support to ongoing clinical work as part of that process. Our experience has been that once our clients arrive at Vanderburgh House, they understand and feel the benefits. You are not locked in to any long term agreements, but we do ask that you come planning to stay for at least 60 days. After your initial period at Tharros, you may wish to explore our less structured home, Teras.

Why Sober Living?

I want to leave room for creativity and mistakes and self acceptance because these are all part of life. With no judgement we can feel safe to explore and emerge; we get a chance to see ourselves in a new light. There is a saying that “all we need to know we learned in kindergarten”. In the Tharros kitchen with “my guys” I get to witness what is possible. I am honored to be able to observe their personal development. I see stiff bodies, hunched shoulders, reluctance, doubt and vacant stares, at first.

All I Need to Know I Learned in the Kitchen!

Vanderburgh House has a great number of resources and we can refer you to therapists, programs, and licensed professionals as needed. Ultimately, you decided who can help you the most. Perhaps you have a connection with a therapist or life coach that you want to continue. We encourage you to keep what works and add resources where it will benefit your recovery. There are no referral fees and our vetted licensed professionals accept a variety of insurances. We have the sole goal of connecting you with the providers who will help you the most -­ Period.

At Vanderburgh House, you can expect to meet other male residents who are committed to their sobriety, have completed some form of primary treatment, and pass regular unannounced breathalyzer and urine tests. Our community offers extensive structure, much of which is optional. The ability to spend 6 months to a year in a supportive environment allows you Vanderburgh House to learn more about yourself and your addiction.