A Fresh Start Sober Living Environments

About A Fresh Start Sober Living Environments

A Fresh Start is an organization that provides sober living environments that operate on the principles of both independence and accountability. The Belmont Women’s House, located in Roscoe Village in Chicago, Illinois, is one of two Fresh Start residences designated for women. Here, residents can find a safe place to live and recover while bridging the gap between inpatient treatments and completely independent living.

Sober Living Designed to Foster Growth

The program and rules of the Belmont Women’s House are designed to promote safe recovery and accountability for all the residents. The leaders in the house (most of whom also went through recovery in their lives) strongly encourage residents to practice the tools they learned from any treatment they underwent before coming to A Fresh Start. To keep the environment safe and the residents accountable, they do random drug tests and daily breathalyzing.

Additionally, the program requires the residents to have employment, to attend regular self help meetings, to engage in their 12 step programs, and to be able to live well with others. All of these elements are meant to help the residents grow in responsibility. One resident reported that she needed the structure and accountability and that living in the house was an “amazing experience.”

Excellent Amenities Inside and Out

The Belmont Women’s House comes packed with great accommodations. They have a shared kitchen, TVs, fast WiFi, and on site laundry machines that accept coins. Residents sleep in two person bedrooms, and it all comes at a manageable weekly cost.

Outside, residents can visit numerous cozy cafes, coffee shops, and brunch restaurants. This also means that the residence is within walking distance of many places where someone can look for work if they need to.

Latest Reviews

Dean Simmons

3 months ago on Google

Mario in basement piece of work.

Chava

8 months ago on Google

I lived here for my first time in sober living after leaving an inpatient setting. During my time here I was enrolled in PHP/IOP for about 6 months . ( yes this is a longer period of time and I was grateful to have had job security and long term disability through my work .)The environment is conducive to staying sober and held me accountable. For that , I am grateful I came here.Management oversight is poor. I understand this facility operates to make a profit , and has limited resources which doesn t give much incentive to house managers or the people that oversee them to make improvements.However there were a few situations that occurred where management was unforgivably inadequate/inappropriate in their response to addressing the aftermath of a resident urinating on another residents property and on an unoccupied bed/mattress on 2 different occasions.At no point were the incidents brought up to the other residents in the house, by management. While the privacy of the resident who caused the problem is important , we (other residents) were in the house and around the commotion of these incidents happening . We were affected.Nothing was told to us, not even a we are working to fix this situation . Our house managers never addressed this privately just to our floor , or at house meetings.Books covered in urine were left on the kitchen counter for almost a month, and nothing was told to us.The room where a bed/ mattress was inundated with urine was also never addressed to us . The bed was left untouched for weeks . ( During the time of the incident sani spray was used on the floor but after that there was nothing done or communicated to us.)The same mattress is on the empty bed. I don t understand how and why management would not want to ensure that other residents know what is going on with a situation like this . After all we witnessed the occurrence! This feels like negligent management. However, we do realize there is limited motivation for staff who are underpaid to maintain civil and fair communications, and regardless of this urine situation it was still an environment that promoted recovery and helped us stay accountable for our sobriety .Also related in some ways to these urine incidents is the preferential treatment of residents by management, where friendships have developed. This is extremely unprofessional, but still we are able to be held accountable for our sobriety at a fresh start .

Basco Music

1 year ago on Google

Matt, one of the managers at the Grace house, is the worst human being I ve met. I am not being hyperbole. The man won t admit when he s wrong and patronizes you at every chance he gets. My father is a narcissist; i can get that at home. Don t recommend this place to anyone. Ever.

Rehab Score

Our Methodology

Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology

6 / 10

Gallery

A Fresh Start Sober Living Environments IL 60618

Location

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Outpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) enable clients to receive high-level care while living at home. Clients may choose to enter IOP instead of enrolling in inpatient care post-detox or they may transition from an inpatient rehab into IOP. Intensive outpatient treatment involves multiple therapeutic sessions per week and includes a combination of psychotherapy and addiction and recovery education. Many programs also offer medication assisted treatment (MAT) and/or holistic therapies, such as acupuncture and massage.

Aftercare Support

Rehab aftercare programs provide a full continuum of care for clients who are exiting inpatient treatment. Though outpatient care is often considered an element of drug rehab aftercare, services typically continue for the remainder of the clients' life and long after formal treatment is completed. Clients work with their case managers and care team to formulate a customized portfolio of medical, mental health, and social service resources designed to evolve as the client's needs change.

12-Step

Participants in 12 step programs focus on emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth as the foundation for long-term sobriety. They engage in regular 12 step meetings, which are anonymous, free, and accessible day and night, year-round, in most communities. Participants also receive one-on-one mentoring from a self-selected sponsor. Though the 12 steps of recovery are based on spiritual principles, religious affiliation isn't required. Specialized formats are available, including programs for seniors, teens, and families.

Sober Living Homes

Sober Living Houses (SLHs), aka sober homes or halfway houses, are safe, substance-free, supportive living facilities for those recovering from substance abuse. Ideal for those who've just been through inpatient or outpatient treatment, SLHs are supervised environments with rules that support sobriety, such as curfews, shared chores, and therapeutic meetings. Residents are also often trained on life skills and coping skills to make it easier to transition into society. SLHs also provide a strong sense of community that can lead to the kind of deep and lasting connections with other sober individuals that supports a new, healthy lifestyle.

Medically Assisted Detox

During the medically supervised detox process, licensed medical professionals monitor your vitals and administer medications meant to help alleviate the physical symptoms of withdrawal. The process can take between five and seven days, although the actual length depends on your individual needs. In most cases, medically assisted detox is partially, if not fully, covered by insurance.

Treatments

Substance rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction (both illegal and prescription drugs). They often include the opportunity to engage in both individual as well as group therapy.

Programs

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Clinical Services

If you engage in cognitive behavioral therapy in Illinois, your therapist will work with you to change your thinking patterns. You'll learn how to recognize faulty thinking and develop skills to deal with stress without using substances.

Men and women in Illinois learn to recognize their strengths and capabilities within a group therapy setting. This helps to boost their self image and self confidence as they work toward overcoming addiction and building a healthier life. Group therapy is a perfect environment for you to see successful recovery behaviors and become inspired to manage your addiction.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Motivational interviewing in Illinois is person centered and collaborative. This method allows the therapist to come alongside the client to address the issue of ambivalence toward change. By listening and reflecting, the therapist helps the client see the need for change and commit to making changes.

During couples therapy in Illinois, you may work on a variety of relationship challenges. Couples therapy can address topics such as finances, children, health, addiction, intimacy, external stressors, and family relationships. You'll develop tools to address these types of challenges in healthy ways.

Family therapy helps to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships that have been affected by addiction. Therapists use guided interventions to help families improve their interactions and address underlying issues that impact their relationships. This helps create a supportive atmosphere for the recovery process.

Amenities

Residential Setting
Private Rooms

Staff

Juan Fernandez

Executive Director

Contact Information

(312) 238-8647

Website

2310 W. Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Get Help Now - 708-470-6914

Rehab in Cities Near Chicago

Back to IL

Reviews of A Fresh Start Sober Living Environments

2.7/5 (42 reviews)

Google Reviews

2.7 (42 reviews)

3 months ago

8 months ago

I lived here for my first time in sober living after leaving an inpatient setting. During my time here I was enrolled in PHP/IOP for about 6 months . ( yes this is a longer period of time and I was grateful to have had job security and long term disability through my work .) The environment is conducive to staying sober and held me accountable. For that , I am grateful I came here. Management oversight is poor. I understand this facility operates to make a profit , and has limited resources which doesn’t give much incentive to house managers or the people that oversee them to make improvements. However there were a few situations that occurred where management was unforgivably inadequate/inappropriate in their response to addressing the aftermath of a resident urinating on another residents property and on an unoccupied bed/mattress on 2 different occasions. At no point were the incidents brought up to the other residents in the house, by management. While the privacy of the resident who caused the problem is important , we (other residents) were in the house and around the commotion of these incidents happening . We were affected. Nothing was told to us, not even a “ we are working to fix this situation” . Our house managers never addressed this privately just to our floor , or at house meetings. Books covered in urine were left on the kitchen counter for almost a month, and nothing was told to us. The room where a bed/ mattress was inundated with urine was also never addressed to us . The bed was left untouched for weeks . ( During the time of the incident sani spray was used on the floor but after that there was nothing done or communicated to us.) The same mattress is on the empty bed. I don’t understand how and why management would not want to ensure that other residents know what is going on with a situation like this . After all we witnessed the occurrence! This feels like negligent management. However, we do realize there is limited motivation for staff who are underpaid to maintain civil and fair communications, and regardless of this urine situation it was still an environment that promoted recovery and helped us stay accountable for our sobriety . Also related in some ways to these urine incidents is the preferential treatment of residents by management, where friendships have developed. This is extremely unprofessional, but still we are able to be held accountable for our sobriety at a fresh start .

michael morang

11 months ago

Jonathan Basco

1 year ago

Franky Darkvoid

Fresh Start by Far is the Best SOBER Living in all of Chicago. They keep you accountable while letting you live your life with no interference. Thank You Fresh Start because without you I would've not made it, Guaranteed

Matt, one of the managers at the Grace house, is the worst human being I’ve met. I am not being hyperbole. The man won’t admit when he’s wrong and patronizes you at every chance he gets. My father is a narcissist; i can get that at home. Don’t recommend this place to anyone. Ever.

Michael Ting

For the amount of money that I paid and the money they stole from me, A Fresh Start is not at all a fresh start. Even before moving into the sober house, management was very unkind and speaking to them over the phone to set up an in-person interview felt like chewing on shards of glass. All they really want is to take your money and kick you out at the smallest inconvenience to them. If it isn't already that obvious, I DO NOT recommend this place to people seeking a nourishing environment to cultivate the continuation of recovery and their sobriety. The one star that it gets goes out to the nice amenities however my floor didn't even have a kitchen.

Katherine Thompson

If you are unfortunate enough to wind up here, be wise and never pay for more than a week at a time - because management WILL concoct a reason to throw you out and keep all of your money, per the agreement that payment is forfeit upon discharge. I made the mistake of paying for three weeks - and unsurprisingly, I was discharged three days later for something I never did (stealing a granola bar from the house mgr LOL - as if $525 is worth risking for a $1 snack; no one is that stupid). I was going to leave this place in the past, but seeing the owner’s snarky responses to negative reviews infuriated me to the point of needing to say something. “The thankless job of management” - yes, because getting to live in a mansion for free with license to bully those one has power over is so thankless 🙄 The owner is itching to berate clients who pay his bills and keep his business afloat. Classy. I’m sure he’ll dig through records to claim I have never been at the house & am just a nameless, faceless saboteur. Nope, I legally changed my name for a genuine fresh start - sober, a mother and a homeowner, with no thanks to this place. See, after a discharge for something I never did, I tried to end my life in a roachbag motel room. My relationship with my family was severed due to the discharge because they assumed I had relapsed: why else would I have been discharged? But when I woke up from that attempt, I decided to try to make something of myself out of spite alone. And I did. But I don’t want anyone in early recovery to experience what I did at the hands of A Fresh Start, so if you are new in recovery and looking for a safe place to go, PLEASE consider another option. Your life may just depend on it.

Jill Brown

I lived on and off at fresh start over the course of a few years. The house managers became some of my closest friends to this day. I had a lot of complaints while there but did not realize how good I had it. The homes were updated, the environment fostered a sense of community and I attribute my recovery to the skills that I learned there. In March, I’ll have two years clean and I owe it to the people at Fresh Start. I will only send future sponsees here. I tried another sober living after fresh start and it was the worst experience of my life. Fresh start is the best option, period.

Jeremy Green

You spend $1,000 a month in a place that does the bare minimum for your recovery. I always felt on edge because the manager Jose over exaggerated every single mistake I made. He would put people up against each other as some sick form of amusement. He needs more training on how to be a good manager. If you want to have a better support community, avoid this place.

Gin Lucas

I am currently living at fresh start and I can definitely say this place saved my life .

Alejandro Sanchez

It says mental behavioral facility but the Managers on sight have very little regard to what it means to have mental or drug abuse disabilities. If you're seriously looking for help I don't recommend this place! Specially no Lincoln House

Overall Experience

5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star

Date Submitted

Last 6 months
Last 12 months
Last 2 years
2+ years