Teamwork

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Mike and Joanie Elder

FOUNDERS

“I receive, on average, four phone calls a week from men desperate to find a clean, safe, affordable room in a sober house. Four calls a week— for twenty years—that’s over four thousand frustrating conversations. Only about 100 of them timed their calls just right to land a room at Donleigh House. And that’s a damn shame because I know for a fact, their chances of sustaining long-term recovery would have increased manyfold had there been a room available.

Joanie and I created the ideal environment conducive for long-term recovery. It works like a charm. 70% of our current and past residents have been clean and sober for years. Howard County desperately needs another house like it. Actually, two more: one for men and one for women. I’m begging my friends, neighbors, government officials and religious leaders to figure out a way to open the county’s second and third long-term recovery houses based on the Donleigh Recovery Model. Together, we can make that happen. Lives depend on it!”

- Mike Elder
mike@donleighrecoverymodel.org

“Donleigh has given so much meaning to my life. The men and their families have entrusted their recovery to a unique concept: a family model of sober living with love and respect as the guiding principles. I feel so honored to be part of our men’s journeys. Each and every one of them have touched my heart, welcomed me into their lives, and made ME a better person for knowing them and witnessing their growth. Together with our Donleigh Dudes, Mike and I have created a unique environment for personal growth and long-term sober living. It works really well, for everyone.

The problem has remained the same for 20 years: we don’t have enough rooms for all the men in need of long-term recovery housing. We are excited to share our ideas and hard-earned experience with anyone who wants to duplicate the Donleigh Recovery Model of sober living. Please, get in touch. We’d love to talk with you.”

- Joanie Elder
joanie@donleighrecoverymodel.org

Two Birds, One Stone Committee

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