Downstreet and Vermont Foundation of Recovery (VFOR) partnered to create a recovery residence in Central Vermont for women with children: Foundation House.
The original building, built in the early 1900s, was re-configured to create two individual apartments on the first floor and one multi-floor communal living apartment that can house up to four families of varying sizes. A shared common space was created to provide a family-like atmosphere in the home — one where the members are nurtured and energized by others who share common experiences, struggles, values, and goals. The scope of the project also included historic restoration, weatherization, and energy efficiency upgrades.
Circle and the Department of Children and Families were very involved in the choice of the site, the renovation designs, and the development of the program operations manual. Vermont Foundation of Recovery will operate Foundation House and local service providers, including the Turning Point Center and Washington County Mental Health Services, will provide support for the families who live there.
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