After The Rain Of Sw Florida Inc

AFTER THE RAIN OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, INC. BEGAN AS A DREAM 30 YEARS AGO WHEN BEVERLY DUNCAN JOHNSON, A YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN AND SINGLE PARENT, BECAME ADDICTED TO COCAINE. AFTER RECEIVING TREATMENT, IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR HER TO RETURN HOME TO FORT MYERS SINCE THERE WERE NO HALFWAY HOUSES FOR WOMEN. SHE INITIATED AND JOINED FORCES WITH OTHER WOMEN IN BOTH THE RECOVERY COMMUNITY AND COMMUNITY-AT-LARGE TO CREATE AFTER THE RAIN. OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE SAFE HOUSING FOR ADULT WOMEN RECOVERING FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE. OUR GOAL IS TO ENSURE RESIDENTS RECEIVE ACCESS TO SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AS THEY DEVELOP A HEALTHY CHARACTER TO SUCCEED AS SELF-SUFFICIENT CITIZENS AND CAPABLE OF REBUILDING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS. OUR VISION IS TO HELP WOMEN HEAL, GROW AND CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE, AND GLOW FROM THE OUTSIDE, BY BECOMING SUBSTANCE-FREE AND SELF-RELIANT. SIX ADULT WOMEN CAN LIVE AT AFTER THE RAIN AT ONE TIME--SOME ENTER VOLUNTARILY AND OTHERS ARE COURT-ORDERED. ALL RESIDENTS PAY WEEKLY RENT, ADHERE TO HOUSE RULES, AND ATTEND WEEKLY TWELVE STEP MEETINGS AS WELL AS IN-HOUSE WEEKLY MEETINGS TO ADDRESS DAILY ISSUES. ALL REMAIN ABSTINENT FROM DRUGS AND ALCOHOL, AND DRUG SCREENINGS OCCUR RANDOMLY. EMPLOYMENT COACHING, JOB TRAINING AND JOB PLACEMENT IS PROVIDED BY OUR PARTNER, DRESS FOR SUCCESS. EACH RESIDENT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE THEIR EDUCATION, E.G., GED, TECHNICAL SCHOOL OR HIGHER EDUCATION. RESIDENTS ENJOY RECOVERY OUTINGS, AND OUR VAN IS USED TO TRANSPORT RESIDENTS TO OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES. ALL RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE THE BUS SYSTEM THAT IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE AS PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION. RECOGNIZING THAT ADDICTION IS A FAMILY ISSUE, WE WELCOME RELATIVES TO TAKE PART IN THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS RECOVERY. AS A RESULT, RESIDENTS LEARN TO ADDRESS ANGER, GUILT, ABUSE AND OTHER ISSUES TO IMPROVE THEIR SELF-ESTEEM AND RESPECT. AFTER THE RAIN IS ONE OF THE FEW TRANSITIONAL LIVING HOUSES IN THE AREA ASSISTING ADULT WOMEN SEEKING RECOVERY FROM ALCOHOLISM AND OTHER MIND- ALTERING SUBSTANCES. OUR MAJOR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE SAFE HOUSING FOR WOMEN RECOVERING FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE AS THEY HEAL, GROW, CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE, AND GLOW FROM THE OUTSIDE. THERE ARE OTHER HALFWAY HOUSE NONPROFITS IN FORT MYERS, SALUS CARE AND ANNS RESTORATION HOUSE. HAVING MORE THAN ONE SUCH NONPROFIT IS NECESSARY TO MEET THE INCREASING NEED IN THE COMMUNITY. IN MARCH 2011, AFTER THE RAIN PURCHASED A 3-BEDROOM, 2-BATHROOM HOUSE FROM LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT AS A FORECLOSURE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (NOW THE COLLABORATORY). THE 1,480 SQ. FT. HALFWAY HOUSE LOCATED AT 46 BROADWAY CIRCLE, FORT MYERS WAS BUILT IN 1963. SINCE 2011, IT HAS OPERATED AS A TRANSITIONAL GROUP HOME FOR SIX WOMEN IN RECOVERY. AFTER THE RAIN IS IN THE PROCESS OF RAISING 29,000 TO RENOVATE THE BACK ROOM OF THE GROUP HOME THAT IS IN DISREPAIR INTO A FUNCTIONAL LANAI. THIS WILL PROVIDE THE SIX RESIDENTS WITH MORE SPACE AS THEY RECOVER. THE BACK ROOM WAS STARTED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNERS MANY YEARS AGO AND IS UNFINISHED. IT HAS BEEN CLOSED OFF BY A STURDY SLIDING GLASS DOOR TO PROVIDE AN EXIT FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS. IT IS AFTER THE RAINS MAIN GOAL TO RENOVATE THE BACK PORTION OF THE HOME INTO A FUNCTIONAL LANAI FOR THE RESIDENTS, PROVIDING A PLACE TO GATHER AND ENJOY A SEMI INSIDE/OUTSIDE SPACE. THE LANAI BUTTS UP TO THE KITCHEN, AND ONCE COMPLETED, THE WINDOW FROM THE KITCHEN CAN BE USED TO PASS THROUGH FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS TO THE LANAI WHERE RESIDENTS CAN ENJOY MEALS. WE ARE ONE OF THE FEW TRANSITIONAL LIVING HOUSES IN THE AREA ASSISTING ADULT WOMEN SEEKING RECOVERY FROM ALCOHOLISM AND OTHER MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCES. SIX WOMEN LIVE AT HOME, TWO PER BEDROOM AT ONE TIME. THERE IS A WAITING LIST; SOME WOMEN ENTER VOLUNTARILY, AND OTHERS ARE COURT-ORDERED OR REFERRED BY PLACES SUCH AS LEEHEALTH. EVERY RESIDENT MUST FIND, OBTAIN AND RETAIN FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT. OTHERS ARE ON SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY. ALL RESIDENTS PAY WEEKLY RENT THAT AFTER THE RAIN USES TO SUSTAIN ITSELF. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS COMPOSED OF MEMBERS WHO PROVIDE A VARIETY OF SKILLS AND PERSPECTIVES. BOARD MEMBERS, SOME OF WHOM HAVE BEEN IN RECOVERY, ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE ORGANIZATION, THE UPKEEP OF THE HOME, AND IN THE LIVES OF RESIDENTS BY PROVIDING LEADERSHIP, SUPPORT, DIRECTION AND PERSONAL SPONSORSHIP. THE MEMBERS ARE COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE CAPACITY OF AFTER THE RAIN TO INCLUDE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN COMPLETED IN MAY 2021, FINANCIAL SUPPORT, MONITORING OF FINANCES, DEVELOPING NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS AND DONOR CULTIVATION. THEY CONTINUALLY MONITOR AND EVALUATE THE CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE TO ENSURE AFTER THE RAINS ONGOING SUSTAINABILITY. THEY ARE AWARE OF THE GRANT WRITING EFFORTS IN PLACE TO FUND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AT THE HOME. NONE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECEIVES ANY COMPENSATION AND VOLUNTEERS. TWO INDIVIDUALS, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND HOUSE MANAGER, PROVIDE THE RESIDENTS WITH MENTORING, MONITORING, ENCOURAGEMENT AND ENSURE THE GROUP HOME RUNS EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY. THESE INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE AN ANNUAL STIPEND OF UP TO 6,000 A YEAR EACH FOR THEIR SERVICES. RESIDENTS REFERRED BY THE COURTS FOLLOW THE RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT (RSAT) PROGRAM AT THE LEE COUNTY JAIL. AFTERCARE SERVICES INVOLVE COORDINATION BETWEEN THE CORRECTIONAL TREATMENT PROGRAM AND OTHER PROGRAMS, SUCH AS HALFWAY HOUSES, SELF-HELP AND PEER GROUP PROGRAMS. ALL OF THE RESIDENTS ARE SOBER WITH CLEAN TIME UNDER THEIR BELTS BEFORE DISCHARGE. WHEN THE COURT MAKES A RECOMMENDATION TO AFTER THE RAIN, THEY CONTACT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPEAR IN COURT ON A CERTAIN DATE. ONCE APPOINTED TO AFTER THE RAIN, THE PERSON RETURNS TO JAIL FOR ABOUT 2 TO 3 DAYS BEFORE THEY ARE RELEASED. AT TIMES WHEN PICKED UP AT JAIL, ALL THE PERSON HAS IS THE CLOTHES THEY WENT IN WITH, OR THEY COME TO AFTER THE RAIN IN JAIL WHITE CLOTHES. WHEN A WOMAN ENTERS AFTER THE RAIN, SHE FILLS OUT AN INTAKE FORM AND IS ASSIGNED TO HER BED, RECEIVES CLOTHES AND A STARTER KIT WITH PERSONAL ITEMS. IMMEDIATELY COUNSELING OCCURS TO FIND OUT RECENT HISTORY INCLUDING HOW AND WHY THE RESIDENT CAME TO AFTER THE RAIN. WHILE DOING PAPERWORK, THE NEW RESIDENT IS FED AND RULES ARE EXPLAINED. FOR THE FIRST THREE DAYS, SHE STAYS IN THE HOUSE TO ACCLIMATE TO THE STRUCTURE. AFTER A WEEK, THE NEW RESIDENT FOLLOWS A PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES ATTENDING A TWELVE STEP MEETING, WORKING WITH DRESS FOR SUCCESS, FINDING A JOB, OR APPLYING FOR SSI AND/OR FOOD STAMPS. ALL RESIDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND WEEKLY IN-HOUSE MEETINGS, REMAIN ABSTINENT FROM DRUGS AND ALCOHOL AND DRUG SCREENINGS OCCUR RANDOMLY. RECOVERY OUTINGS TAKE PLACE DURING THE YEAR WITH TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED BY OUR VAN. WHEN READY TO TRANSITION FROM TO INDEPENDENT LIVING, AFTER THE RAIN HELPS A RESIDENT FURNISH THEIR APARTMENT WITH APPLIANCES, FIRST WEEKS FOOD AND HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES. IF THE RESIDENT NEEDS HELP WITH FIRST MONTHS RENT AND UTILITY BILLS, SHE CONTACTS UNITED WAY 211 FOR A REFERRAL. IF THEY HAVE CHILDREN, DONATIONS ARE MADE FOR THEM AND THE RESIDENT IS READY TO REUNITE WITH THE CHILD TO MOVE INTO THEIR NEW APARTMENT. WHEN A FAMILY IS INVOLVED, THE RAPID REHOUSING PROGRAM AT LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT MAY BE CONSULTED FOR ASSISTANCE MOVING INTO A PERMANENT FAMILY HOME. AFTER WOMEN TRANSITION FROM AFTER THE RAIN TO INDEPENDENT LIVING, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OR HOUSE MANAGER PAYS THEM VISITS FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS. THERE IS A 75% RATE OF SUCCESS FROM AFTER THE RAIN TO INDEPENDENT LIVING. AFTER THE RAIN PROVIDES A SOLID BEGINNING AND ALLOWS RECOVERING WOMEN TO BLOSSOM INTO INDEPENDENT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. RESIDENTS GIVE BACK BY VOLUNTEERING. AS A STRUCTURED LIVING ENVIRONMENT, WE PARTNER WITH MANY AGENCIES THAT OFFER ESSENTIAL SERVICES NECESSARY FOR RESIDENTS TO BECOME PRODUCTIVE AND SELF-SUFFICIENT. WE ARE UNIQUE IN THAT WE GROOM RESIDENTS TO CONSIDER BECOMING A RESIDENT STAFF PERSON AND OFFER THE SAME SUPPORT, LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT THEY RECEIVED WHEN FIRST LIVING HERE. FOR THIS REASON, THERE IS NO LIMIT TO HOW LONG SOMEONE CAN STAY AS LONG AS THEY CONTINUE TO THRIVE AND MAINTAIN A SOBER, PRODUCTIVE LIFESTYLE, AND CONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER. AFTER THE RAIN PROVIDES SERENITY, HOPE, FAITH, COURAGE, HUMILITY, TRANQUILITY, SPIRITUALITY AND CONTENTMENT. AN AVERAGE OF 25 WOMEN WILL LIVE AT AFTER THE RAIN. WHEN READY, 75% WILL RETAIN HOUSING OR REUNITE WITH FAMILY; AND 20% WILL REMAIN 12 MONTHS OR LONGER FOR CONTINUED ASSISTANCE, MEASURED BY A RESIDENTS WILLINGNESS AND READINESS TO MOVE ON WITH LIFE. SUCCESS IS FURTHER MEASURED BY THE RESIDENTS ABILITY TO MAINTAIN INDEPENDENT LIVING AND SOBRIETY MONITORED FOR SIX MONTHS AFTER DISCHARGE.