Building A Legacy of Hope for Bartholomew County

The Story of Bridge To Dove Recovery House

In the heart of Indiana's Bartholomew County, a significant effort is taking root, aimed at changing the lives of women battling substance use disorder (SUD). The launch of Bridge To Dove Recovery House marks an important chapter in the county's response to a growing crisis that has touched many families far and wide. This blog post shines a spotlight on the history and mission of this beacon of hope, aiming to build a legacy of recovery and restoration.

The Genesis of a Vision

The journey of Bridge To Dove Recovery House began several years back with a stark realization: Bartholomew County, despite its vibrant community, was grappling with a SUD crisis more severe than state and national averages. Overdose deaths were climbing, and the options for recovery, especially for women, were painfully limited. It was this critical gap in care that sparked the birth of Bridge To Dove Recovery House Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing this urgent need.

A Mission Unfolds As We Explored Options

A few of the founding Board members spent time investigating what options would make sense to serve Bartholomew County and decided Dove Recovery House for Women was the ideal model. Dove RecoveryHouse for Women was a star in the recovery ecosystem and offered programming that lasted up to two years (with housing!) for women with children. Their program was achieving nearly unheard of rates of recovery, didn’t require women to pay, and served the most vulnerable – mothers who often times were homeless or had lost their children due to past criminal or behavioral issues.  After working with Dove Recovery House to iron out a high-level plan to bring to Columbus, Bridge To Dove Recovery House was born.  Our mission was simple – be the bridge to getting Dove Recovery House operating in our community.  This meant securing all that was necessary to establish a NARR Level IV recovery residence for women in the community. In our case, all that was necessary meant a turnkey building and 3 months of operating expenses to handle Dove RecoveryHouse costs while they were getting NARR certified at our new residence.  After that, they would take care of the rest.  Recognizing the profound impact of SUD on women, particularly low-income mothers with histories of trauma, the organization aimed to provide a safe haven where the journey of healing and transformation could begin. We began our work in earnest during 2022 and hired a project leader from Inspire Motives LLC.

Collaborative Efforts and Community Support

The journey to bring Dove Recovery House to Columbus was a collaborative endeavor. Bridge To Dove harnessed the power of community, engaging local stakeholders, securing grants, and rallying the support of over 150 families and several foundations. Their efforts underscored a collective commitment to not only combat the SUD crisis but also to weave a stronger social fabric for future generations. To date, we have raised approximately $1M of the needed $2.3M to bring our dream to fruition. When we achieve our goal, we will have a debt free NARR Level IV capable facility and a modest maintenance fund.

A Legacy in the Making

Today, Bridge To Dove Recovery House stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of hope. As we move forward, our goal remains unwavering: to provide a sanctuary for recovery and to empower women to reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction. Bridge To Dove is not just building a recovery house; but building bridges to brighter futures, one woman, one family at a time.

In Bartholomew County and beyond, the story of Bridge To Dove Recovery House is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to recovery and resilience. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, with unity and compassion, we can build bridges that lead to healing and hope.