01/27/2025
My name is J.R., and in just a couple more weeks, it'll mark the beginning of 5 months that I've been living at the Integrity Sober House in East Falmouth, MA.
Having been in more than 7 sober houses from Massachusetts to California and back in a span of 2 years, I think it's fair to say I know what constitutes a good sober house from a run-of-the-mill, cash-siphoning, very little to absolutely no care for one's well-being sober house, and trust me when I say I've been in all of the above... All except the one I have yet to describe. Ya see, the Integrity Sober House fails to fit any of the descriptions above: It's not run-of-the-mill; it definitely is not a cash-siphoning sober house; and to be 100% honest, it's not even a good sober house! The Integrity Sober House is the absolute best sober house I've been to yet, and thus, the reason it's the one I've lived in the longest!
The difference between The Integrity Sober House and all the others has to do with the personal touch that the owners of the home add, and yes, it is a home! The McGonigles make it a point to make personal visits to our home to check in to see what's needed and to drop off food, utensils, etc.; the basic supplies are on auto-ship so we're never out of the bare necessities. Sometimes, they'll stop by just to hang out and stay for a while, "chop it up" with us, and make sure the house is running smoothly!
Lest I fail to mention, when I say the McGonigles, I don't just mean the husband and wife... There are times when they show up with The Whole Family! Their two children (Zachary and Abigail) are absolute sweethearts! They'll come in and hang out with some of the guys they've known the longest, and it's as if they're coming to see their uncles or something! Not to mention, the paternal & maternal parents of the owners have stopped by, sent desserts, food, etc. etc!
I can imagine it would be difficult to comprehend the significance of all I just mentioned to someone on the outside looking in, so allow me to explain.
By the Mcgonigles being so involved as they are, the subliminal message that it sends is: 'I'm not in this for your money... I really care for your well-being and sobriety!' When that message is received intuitively, it warms the heart and makes us residents feel seen as a person first and not just a cash cow. However, adding in the extra layers by surrounding us with their own family, the subliminal message says: 'I don't judge you for where you've been or what you've done!' When received intuitively, it not only warms the heart but also touches the soul in a way most people who need to be here haven't been touched in what could seem like an eternity for some of us! And that, folks, is how you go from a good sober house to a Great Sober Home! I couldn't have landed in a better place to prepare myself for reintegration into society and I am eternally thankful for The McGonigles and this home!
Gratefully,
J.TP.R 🐦🔥
