It took a while to understand statements like this one above, where clients describe their days at TLC as the "happiest times" of their lives.
It didn’t make sense. After all, in my mind a halfway house or three quarter house merely serves as a springboard back to the community. A way to get our stuff together so we can return to society. I wondered why our clients didn't aspire to what I assumed would be a better life outside the program?
After this happened a few times, though, I looked at what was really going on with those who find happiness at TLC.
One thing I heard from them all is that they felt safe, that they enjoyed a sense of community. They felt part of a large extended family where their needs are met and they’re supported in their recovery. They also had a sense of mission by helping integrate newcomers into our recovery environment.
Recently we’ve had clients return to TLC, even though they hadn’t relapsed. All of them said pretty much the same thing: that they felt safe and supported while living with us, that life had meaning and purpose.
They returned to recapture that feeling of belonging and to enjoy happiness.
