New recovery home offers added support

LGRC President Melanie Blasko explained that The Meigs is intended for those who “need more time in a supportive environment.”

Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers has opened a new men’s recovery home, The Meigs, in Painesville Township.

This marks the fifth recovery home operated by LGRC throughout the region. Recovery homes provide supportive shelter to people overcoming substance abuse issues and are intended for those who have already completed primary treatment programs.

LGRC President Melanie Blasko explained that The Meigs is intended for those who “need more time in a supportive environment.” This is fundamental to recovery process if the households they would otherwise be returning to have other drug or alcohol abusers or are otherwise not stable.

She thanked the Lake County ADAMHS Board and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services “for their support in making this level of care available to individuals in Lake County.”

The recovery homes are voluntary with applicants going through an initial screening process. There is a house manager who lives on site to ensure accountability.

Those residing in the recovery home must be working and following a path of recovery which includes sobriety.

Those living within LGRC recovery houses are not subject to a residence time limit. Many will stay for several months, but Blasko recounts one tenant who stayed for two years.

“That’s fine with us,” she said. “We provide adequate time to feel comfortable going back into independent living or going back home with families.” Blasko feels confident that LGRC’s latest addition will continue benefiting those in need. “They’ve made a huge impact on people,” she said. “Recovery outcomes have exceeded internal expectations.” She looks forward to bringing the community together as they continue settling into their latest location.

She conveyed the concern some residents initially expressed at a July 16 community meeting to discuss the recovery home’s opening. For her, it’s all part of the process.

“It’s how it usually is at first. Then we get to talking to people,” she said. “Usually, it’s just a lack of understanding, and we’re always hoping to ease resident concerns.

“We all want the same thing; we want these men to be successful.”

To learn more, visit www. lgrc.us or call 440-255-0678.