photo by Andrew Bailey
Housing is a critical issue for many clients in treatment. “We began to recognize that 75% of the people that we serve are homeless, some of them chronically homeless,” says Daniel. “When they finish treatment, they have nowhere to go.” To address the housing crisis, Rays of Sonshine contracted with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide permanent supportive housing. Daniel describes permanent supportive housing as an “exceptionally perfect answer to this type of problem.” Permanent supportive housing allows independence as the women work on their long-term recovery goals. Eligibility is based on need and rent is determined by the person’s income. Rays of Sonshine now has a growing number of permanent supportive housing options for women who have completed their treatment program. A beautiful older home in downtown Monroe was restored and converted into 8 apartments. More apartments are located near the treatment clinic on North 3rd Street. With funds from the Louisiana Housing Authority, Rays of Sonshine purchased adjudicated properties and built a group of free-standing houses, creating a neighborhood known as the Community of Hope. Rays of Sonshine recently partnered with Northeast Delta Human Services Authority to create what is called the “Phoenix House.” The Phoenix House will serve as recovery housing for people who are still in the early stages of their sobriety but are ready to live independently. Daniel emphasizes how important housing and other factors can be for successful long-term recovery from addiction. “Addiction is a brain disease, and it’s a chronic disease,” says Daniel. “It takes time for people to really gather themselves and begin to live a normal life. Housing is a main feature in helping people with this level of illness.” Daniel explains that even with excellent in-patient treatment, long-term recovery takes several years. During the months and years following in-patient treatment, permanent supportive housing is critical to success. Also critical to successful recovery, Daniel insists, is attention to overall health and wellness. “Women present to treatment very, very sick,” Daniel says. “Not just because of their disease of addiction, but because of their physical condition. They are dehydrated. They are malnourished. It is typically a very sad situation.” Daniel points out that it is necessary, when treating addiction, to treat the whole person. “Rays of Sonshine is a unique type of recovery treatment program,” Daniel says. “We are a recovery community, and we take a holistic approach.” The treatment program stresses the importance of proper nutrition. Not only is the campus smoke free and tobacco free, but participants are also
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expected to give up sugar and caffeine. There are no soda or coffee machines. Instead, the women are encouraged to drink lots of high quality filtered water. Whole, unprocessed foods are served at every meal. “We want to make sure they understand the relationship between good nutrition and a quality recovery,” explains Daniel. “Research that has been out about eight years now shows that if you can teach someone to change what they eat, their chance of recovery goes from below 30% to over 80%.” Rays of Sonshine has a masters level fitness instructor on staff and three workout areas with exercise equipment for the women to use. A goal of 200 minutes of exercise per week is suggested while in treatment. The program also incorporates yoga and meditation. Donna Ponder, owner of Blue Sky Yoga, invites the women at Rays of Sonshine to come to her studio once a week for yoga classes. Adult education is offered in many forms during treatment. Participants have access to a computer lab with 24 work stations. Here they can prepare for and take the high school equivalency exam, learn skills and earn certificates. “Adult education is a primary feature of what we do,” insists Daniel. “Our goal is for them to leave here with whatever the next level of schooling or training is for them.” Staff members also assist participants with job searches and job training. In keeping with Rays of Sonshine’s commitment to give back to the community, all participants in the addiction treatment program spend time working at the warehouse on South 1st Street. Now called “The Zone,” the warehouse is a hub of activity every Thursday and Friday. On Thursday mornings, participants help pack between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds of groceries which are given out the following day. Every Friday at The Zone, approximately 400 grocery bags filled with food are distributed to pre-qualified families in need. In addition to food, The Zone distributes all sorts of other items to those who need them. “We are a warehouse system,” explains Daniel. “We have furniture, appliances, clothes, hygiene products. Whenever there is a community crisis, we get referrals from churches or businesses or individuals. We give away anything we have if we have it.” Since its founding over two decades ago, Rays of Sonshine has helped more than a thousand individuals recover from drug and alcohol addiction. Through its food bank and related outreach programs, it has provided countless families with the life-sustaining essentials of food, clothing and shelter. With the support and dedication of its staff, volunteers and donors, Rays of Sonshine will continue its mission, offering people in this community hope, healing and the opportunity for a better life. H O W TO H EL P
As a nonprofit organization, Rays of Sonshine relies heavily on community support. Volunteers are always welcome at The Zone on South 1st Street to help sort and distribute groceries and other donations. Donations from the community are accepted and can be dropped off at the Rays of Sonshine administrative offices located at 200 Breard Street in Monroe. Monetary gifts to Rays of Sonshine allow the organization to continue its effective addiction recovery program. Even a small donation can help participants stay in treatment longer, enhancing their chances for successful long-term recovery. Monetary donations can be made through the organization’s website: www.raysofsonshine. com or by mailing to 200 Breard Street, Monroe, LA 71201.