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Drug-Free Workforce Promising Practice
One of the most important aspects of our program is that with few exceptions, we require our new residents to look for work after being in the program for three days. Work can be an important part of treatment, adding significantly to a person’s self-esteem.
-Deborah Larson-Venable
Executive Director
Grenada House
Located in Allston, Massachusetts, Granada House is a drug and alcohol treatment facility for men and women in early recovery from chemical dependency. The program has 30 inpatient residents and 80-85 outpatient clients at any given time. Granada House provides individual counseling, group and family therapies and a warm, family-like environment for people new to recovery. These factors give clients a chance to feel nurtured while they develop a program of recovery, secure employment, heal from trauma and begin a new path in life.
As a general rule, new residents are required to look for work within three days of starting the program. This includes residents who are significantly disabled with HIV, TB or other physical, emotional and mental disabilities. This requirement reflects Granada’s House strong belief in the critical role employment plays in maintaining recovery and developing an individual’s confidence and self-esteem. Granada House staff helps residents prepare resumes and pursue job leads and serves as an important support system while they begin their jobs.
In delivering its services for 24 years, Granada House has had strong working relationships with the Massachusetts Vocational Commission (MVC). Granada House refers clients to MVC during their first few months of treatment, and many get vocational training or education leading to careers in a variety of fields. Working together, Granada House and MVC have helped people become lawyers, union carpenters, plumbers, electricians, writers, engineers, disc jockeys, executives, hairdressers, pet groomers and substance abuse treatment counselors. Also, many members of Granada House’s Board of Directors, and almost all of its staff, including its substance abuse counselors, are Granada House alumni.
Want to learn more?
Deborah Larson-Venable
Executive Director
Granada House
70-72 Adamson Street
Allston, Massachusetts 02134
Phone: (617) 254-2923
E-mail: deb@granadahouse.org
Internet: www.granadahouse.org
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