Aspire, Progress House partner to create whole health recovery center

Aspire Indiana and Progress House of Indianapolis are partnering to create a Whole Health Recovery Center in Anderson to give people with substance use disorder a powerful new approach to rehabilitation: A home to live in and the tools to recover, all in one place.

The center will serve up to 100 people from around Central Indiana and is expected to have a staff of 41, mostly new positions.

Unlike traditional recovery programs that require people to go to different places to receive services, the recovery center will address their needs in one location: stable residence, detox/recovery counseling, primary medical care, behavioral health care, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), peer support, case management, skills training/education, housing assistance and job placement.

“This represents a bold new approach to substance addiction: Everything they need to stay on the road to recover while living in a safe place for as long as they need,” said Aspire President and CEO Barbara Scott. “Addiction is a complex problem with many causes. We need a new recovery model that is multi-pronged in its approach, but delivered simply. Instead of scattering the pieces to the addiction puzzle and expecting people to find them, we’re bringing the solution to them while providing a home during their recovery journey.”

The Whole Health Recovery Center will be located at the former Mockingbird Hill Park in southwest Anderson near Interstate 69, which was known as a popular entertainment venue that hosted acts including Dolly Parton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash.

Aspire is purchasing the property from Bethesda Lutheran Communities, which has been using it since 2010 as a camp for adults with disabilities called SonRise Retreat Center.

“This beautiful campus has been known as a place of joy and healing for decades. Now we begin a new chapter where those with substance use disorder can live peacefully as they undertake the hard work to rebuild their lives,” said Progress House President and CEO Darrell Mitchell.

On Aug. 27 the project was approved by the Anderson Plan Commission, and should go to the City Council for review in November. Depending on the outcome, the center could open in spring 2020.

About Aspire

Aspire Indiana/Aspire Indiana Health is a fully integrated nonprofit health system serving Central Indiana that addresses behavioral health, primary medical care, substance abuse disorders, HIV services, deaf services, veteran programs, abused/neglected children and social determinants of health such as housing and employment. Aspire is supported by a strong network of community organizations, state/federal entities and generous benefactors. Those interested in partnering with Aspire in making health and well-being a reality in central Indiana are encouraged to email info@aspireindiana.org. Learn more at aspireindiana.org and on Facebook.

About Progress House

Founded in 1961, Progress House is Indiana’s oldest and largest Recovery Residence. Its mission is to save lives and serve others by providing a safe sober living environment and tools for developing long-term recovery, self-sufficiency and community integration. Progress House is home to 150 men in recovery from substance use disorder whose stay ranges from six months to two years. Those interested in partnering with Progress House are encouraged to email info@progresshouse.org. Learn more at progresshouse.org and on Facebook.