The Empowerment Center

The Empowerment Center Review

The Empowerment Center is a not-for-profit, 12-step oriented sober living for women in Washoe County, Nevada. The program operates on a four step tier system that incorporates life skills while providing a safe, substance-free community. Originally established in 2010, it aims to assist women who are low income, or have been incarcerated or homeless, and have struggled with substance abuse disorders. Above all, it’s is a client driven program however it works with therapists and outpatient treatment facilities in the area to help individuals establish a solid foundation in recovery.

Accommodations and Amenities

In total, there are 36 beds in semi private bedrooms. The facility is entirely furnished and includes towels, linens and internet service. There is a washer and dryer on site, common areas with a TV and clean, spacious accommodations.

The sober living provides meals throughout the four month program.

Rules and Regulations

Clients in this program make a 120 day commitment before moving in. The first 30 days are the “black out” period. During this time clients remain on campus, and cannot have their cell phones. This is the stabilization phase where they acclimate to their surroundings and get used to their schedule.

This initial stage includes three hours of group therapy five days a week, individual therapy, and referrals to outside agencies for mental health and physical screenings.

Step two is called the transition phase. This is the time when clients begin to look for a job and put to use the workplace skills they acquired during the first phase. They attend a daily clinical group Monday through Friday, and weekly one on one counseling. There are daily employment check ins, a nighty curfew and peer support services.

The action phase, or level three, incorporates attending off site 12-step meetings, maintaining employment, regular individual therapy, and actively working the steps. The final stage of treatment, the completion phase, requires community service, chores, looking for long term housing, creating a discharge plan, setting goals for after the program, and staying employed.

Clients obtain a sponsor during the second step in treatment. They are required to be accountable and maintain an active relationship with their sponsor. There are random drug screenings that clients submit to. There is no smoking in this program, or dating allowed between clients.

There are workbooks that need to be completed on a weekly basis, and other written assignments are mandatory. Clients also attend life skills groups, and Big Book study.

Staff members are on hand 24 hours a day, and clients work closely with therapists, case managers and other mental health providers.

In Summary

The Empowerment Center has a proven track record of success in that over 80 percent of its clients leave the program with a good amount of sobriety under their belt. The staff teaches a number of life and coping skills. As a results, clients are equipped with the proper tools to help them remain sober. This is an incredibly supportive environment that consists of caring individuals who are also in recovery.