PROGRAM:
Southern Oklahoma Addictions Recovery is a therapeutic work program for men who have been convicted of drug and alcohol offenses. We work with courts in central and southern Oklahoma to place people in jobs rather than in jail or prison. The program emphasizes personal responsibility and strict accountability as well as sobriety. Before SOAR was founded in 2008, courts had no choice but to send nonviolent drug and alcohol offenders to prison. After officials in Pontotoc County expressed concern about the situation, Ada businessman Duane Murray began organizing the long-term rehabilitation program. Today, nearly two-thirds of SOAR’s clients graduate and return to their communities as sober, productive citizens. SOAR has a nine-member board of directors, two full-time and two part-time staff members, as well as a number of volunteers. We serve about 40 clients each year, most of whom spend six months at the facility. Most of our clients are referred by courts in Southern Oklahoma. Upon entering the program they are placed in jobs with area employers. They are expected not only to work but to attend regular 12-step meetings and church services. Abstinence is strictly monitored. To meet a growing demand, SOAR expanded in 2013, moving to a new facility with beds for more than 20 clients. SOAR doesn’t receive any taxpayer money. Our costs are paid by donors and by our clients themselves, who earn their way through the program by working at jobs in the community. COMMUNITY:
SOAR couldn’t exist without the support of companies, organizations and individuals in our community, and we return that support in a number of ways. In addition to their paying jobs, our clients do community service projects such as painting, cleaning and other work at area schools and homes for the elderly. They assist at local food banks, and help needy families who are unable to pay for needed services. In return, SOAR receives community support in the form of donations, which include used clothing, surplus food, vehicles and work equipment. In 2013, individual community members contributed a total of $50,000 to meet the budget for remodeling our new facility on North Oak Avenue in Ada. SOAR is also applying for grants from foundations and companies. WORK:
We believe that steady work builds self-confidence and personal responsibility. We contract with local employers who compensate SOAR directly for the client labor, which is negotiated at an hourly rate. As a result of the work ethic we encourage and instill in our clients, employers in our community enthusiastically support our program. It’s a “win-win” scenario for clients and employers. New program members are usually placed in jobs during their first week. We try to match each client’s skills and ability with each job. SOAR members wake up at an assigned time, make their beds, have breakfast, and go to work. Employers benefit in a number of ways. Since our employees are court-ordered to take part in a work program, they are available for continuous employment for six months or more. They are driven to work on time and ready to start the day. Their work must be satisfactory or they are subject to removal, and their sobriety is ensured due to strict drug and alcohol testing. We’re proud of the work we do, and especially proud of successful SOAR members who stay in in their jobs after graduation from the program. RECOVERY:
Our clients are encouraged to broaden their spiritual lives as well as their commitment to sobriety and service. As often as possible, Saturdays are reserved for community service projects at local schools, churches, homes for the elderly and other institutions. SOAR staff members know the “real world” of addiction because they’ve been there themselves. They are recovering addicts who have completed 12-step programs and maintained solid sobriety. Staffers guide clients through their own 12-step programs and help them strengthen their spiritual lives. Program members are driven to church services, meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, and other recovery groups. Twelve-step meetings are also held in the SOAR facility. Abstinence from drugs and alcohol is strictly monitored through testing. We believe recreation is also important in recovery. Clients who earn the privilege may participate in local sports leagues, attend events at East Central University, rodeos and movies. There are also special meals and celebrations on holidays.
