Sunlight of the Spirit House was founded in 2015 by Matthew Bartelt and Matthew Douglas, both in successful long-term recovery, with a vision of providing a supportive environment in which you will thrive as you continue to grow skills that will sustain you in recovery. With 7 homes (and growing) in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, we are dedicated not just to the well being of our residents but also to being a force for good in our community.
We want you to experience freedom from substance use disorder and live a full, joyful, productive life. Our structured environment is geared toward supporting you in a new design for living through taking the actions of the 12 Steps and other pathways. There are many 12 Step meetings nearby, including a weekly meeting run by SOS, and outpatient treatment services. Each resident is assigned a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS). Your CRS will help you prepare for your new beginning in recovery by assisting with goal setting and connecting you with helpful resources. They will also assist you in looking for work, securing important documentation and, where needed, prepare for court hearings.
Our houses are conveniently located in safe, quiet residential areas with good employment opportunities and access to public transportation. As a new resident, we’ll provide you with help getting on your feet, securing essential needs, and job search support.
Integrity
We do the right thing.
Honesty
We tell the truth in our words and with our actions.
Service
We find joy, connection, and healing in service to others.
Sober since June 7, 2007, I believe that the solutions for alcoholism and addiction can be found in working the 12 steps. I have dedicated the past 16 years to working with newcomers and guiding them through the 12 steps so they can have their own spiritual experience. Spending years in and out of institutions and jails from ages 12-22, I have had a profound change in perspective through my experience in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Sober since January 14, 2008, I firmly believe in utilizing the 12 steps as primary means of my recovery from alcoholism and addiction. Since coming into the program I've had many amazing experiences such as joining the Navy and being deployed in 2009 and 2010. I have enjoyed a renewed relationship with family and friends, have traveled the world and practice the principles of this program in all my affairs. The blessings have been abundant including the ability to give back today.
Having spent the better part of my adult life working to heal from trauma and learning how to live a life of meaning and joy, I believe that growth, learning and change happen in the context of connection – to self, to spirit and to others. It’s a privilege and an honor to work with people in recovery, helping them find connection, community and healing in Sunlight of the Spirit homes.
After my last relapse at age 28 on New Years Eve of 2013 I realized I needed more help and turned to the 12 steps for a solution. Today with the support of my sponsor, a home-group, my loving family and fellowship I was able to use the program to totally commit to sobriety and learn to take personal responsibility for my life. Through spiritual growth I learned to respect myself and others. With recovery came the ability to have a successful job, a loving home and eventually my own family. With Sunlight of the Spirit I have the opportunity to use what I have learned to help others struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. I know the only way I can keep what I have gained is by passing this new way of life on to others.
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