Kanawha Valley Fellowship Home

Kanawha Valley Sober Living Review

Kanawha Valley Fellowship Home is a non-profit organization in Charleston, West Virginia. It provides affordable sober living accommodations for men in the beginning stages of recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders. Founded in the 1960s by a group of individuals in recovery, the home provides a stable foundation and a peaceful environment removed from distractions. More than just a sober living, Kanawha Valley also has offerings one might normally associate with an inpatient rehab such as individual and group sessions. In addition, the 12-step model is an integral aspect of the recovery experience.

Accommodations and Amenities

The home is in an attractive two-story building in a quiet neighborhood. The facility provides both the privacy and the community necessary to work on recovery. To this end, the home has room for 15 residents with everyone staying in their own private bedroom. There are also eight bathrooms, a spacious floor plan, large kitchen and a comfortable common room. The home is equipped with cable TV, a computer and a laundry unit.

Residents are supervised around-the-clock. The home is walking distance from shopping and public transportation. Residents are allowed the company of guests between 12 and 6 pm on weekends.

Kanawha Valley seeks to not only support residents during their recovery but to also empower the individuals to make meaningful, positive changes to their lives. To this end, clients participate in local support groups as well as weekly in-house meetings. The facility also requires clients to attend individual and group sessions.

Rules and Regulations

Before entering Kanawha Valley, incoming residents undergo a comprehensive interview process that assesses the their needs, circumstances and goals. Individuals must share background information, including an account of substance use. To qualify for admission, clients must be already be sober and willing to commit to recovery. The minimum length of stay is six months, with many residents staying for up to a year.

Residents must pass regular and random alcohol and drug screenings. Clients must also perform daily chores, clean up after themselves in the kitchen and keep a tidy room. The facility requires new clients to attend a 12-step support meeting every day. After residents have been there a month, they can attend five a week. Individuals must communicate with a sponsor a minimum of once a week.

Kanawha Valley residents follow a set schedule with evening curfews between 10 and 11 pm. They also expect residents to eat dinner together every evening. A premium is placed on a being a distraction-free environment. As such, clients cannot have relationships with peers. In addition, theft, fighting and sexual behaviors will result in immediate discharge.

In Summary

Kanawha Valley provides comfortable, substance-free accommodations and a safe, stable environment for men willing to commit to recovery. In addition to 12-step meetings, the facility also offers independent and group therapy sessions as well as a range of case management services such as career and legal assistance. Kanawha Valley is a credit to the Charleston community, and an excellent option for men seeking a second chance.