“Evidence shows that we must replace aftercare as an afterthought with sustained and assertive continuing care as an expected component of treatment.”

--William White, Senior Research Consultant, Chestnut Hill Systems

A Safe Haven Foundation is an Illinois Department of Human Services licensed treatment facility that  supports individuals and families affected by homelessness and alcohol/ drug addiction through an evidence- based model of providing affordable housing, treatment, job training, and job placement services. Our approach to treatment is based in based in theory and has undergone scientific evaluation.

Because the Foundation is committed to ensuring the successful recovery of every client, we provide an individualized, comprehensive continuum of care.  In a May 2009 study of A Safe Haven’s programs, Dr. Arthur J. Lurigio of Loyola University noted that A Safe Haven “is one of the most effective and innovative providers of recovery home services in the Midwest.”[1] 

Our organization fulfills the important need for comprehensive treatment services at 16 sites throughout the Chicago land area.  We follow state and nationally sanctioned models by providing on-going housing, treatment, and recovery services to our clients.  With the input of clients, A Safe Haven Foundation case managers design individualized treatment plans in accordance with the six dimension criteria outlined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

After an appropriate treatment plan is agreed upon, we provide clients residential rehabilitation services, based on the model outlined by the Illinois Department of Human Services Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse in which “treatment services are delivered through a continuum approach, with individual clients moving from one level of care to another based on their assessed needs.”[2] This model is also applicable to our clients who have found themselves homeless, but do not have issues with alcohol/drug abuse.

A Safe Haven residents advance through a program of increasing independence and responsibility.  Sober and transitional residences evolve into affordable housing opportunities for clients as long term recovery is sustained.  A Safe Haven prides itself on the quality and professionalism of our recovery program as well as our housing.  Our organization has always been committed to following the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) code of ethics and standards of professionalism for property management.[3]  Through continued service and care, the Foundation is able to assist clients through every step on the long journey to full recovery.   

Research has shown that patients who receive continuing care after detoxification have better outcomes in terms of sustained abstinence.  Continued treatment services are essential for a full recovery that takes a minimum of two to three years. And, our clients get the time they need to recover.  Through continued service and care, the Foundation assists clients every step of the way on their journey to full recovery.



[1] Arthur J. Lurigio, Ph.D., Loyola University Chicago, An Evaluation of A Safe Haven’s Workshop for Illinois Parole Agents, May 2009.
[2] Illinois Department of Human Services, Residential Rehabilitation Services, http://www.dhs.state.il.us/oasa/Services/ResidentialRehab.asp.
[3] National Association of Residential Property Managers, Code of Ethics, http://www.narpm.org/about/code-of-ethics.html.