Being an active member of a positive peer group is one of the main reasons that Clarity House works.

When living in an environment with women in a similar age group, it is difficult to isolate and hideout. As a result, each day is filled with change and the anticipation of change will replace the urge to use alcohol or other drugs.

Here they share a common experience with a sisterhood of their own peer group and become motivated to take direction, learn about their behaviors, and become willing to change. Anyone can be abstinent from substances but the attitudes and behaviors of that individual will remain the same unless a significant change takes place.

The focus at Clarity House is on dignity, integrity, attitude and behavior; living mature and responsible lives is our priority. When a woman is able to take responsibility for her actions and learn how to walk through life with grace, she is actively taking steps towards living a productive and successful life free from drugs and alcohol

The Structure

• Morning Meditation: Each morning, women read from a 12-step daily meditation book and share about how it relates to their lives today, what the reading means to them, and what they are looking forward to that day.
• Daily Chores: Every woman is responsible for a chore inside of the house. This not only teaches a work ethic, but also the importance of living in a clean house. The more effort one puts into the house, the more pride she gains. Clarity House is not just a program to those in it; it’s their home.
• Noon Book Study: Every weekday at 12:30, the women read from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and share about how they related to the chapter and how it pertains to their lives today. Every Monday, a different activity is set up and once a week, a 12-step outside of the house is attended in lieu of Noon Book Study.
• Family Meeting: This is the most important house meeting of the day. Every evening the management facilitates a meeting where the focus is on three orders of business:
  • Personal Business: The women set up their plans and appointments for the following day in advance. The purpose of this is to get into the habit of proper planning as well as managing their time and responsibilities according to their schedules.
  • Attitude Checks: The women write anonymous “bring-ups” – both regarding positive and negative action or attitudes – that focus on the other women in the house.
  • Family Business: This is an essential part of the house when we address any issues or concerns regarding individuals inside the house. This gives the women an opportunity to learn about how her actions and attitude affect her life, why she should change and what solutions are available to her to do so.
• 12-Step Meetings: The women are required to attend one 12-step meeting daily. Morning, noon and evening meetings are available to accommodate those working or attending school.
• One-on-Ones: The management works with all the women on an individual level for daily “check-ins” and to discuss any concerns that have been brought up. The management is involved with all activities and schedules for each individual woman.
• Thursday Evening Meeting: On Thursday night, the director facilitates a house meeting. Serious house issues are addressed and individual goals are set up. This is a mandatory meeting for the women.
• Saturday Barbeque: Saturdays are set aside so that the women may spend quality time with their family and attendance is encouraged! This informal setting is an ideal place to begin to mend broken relationships and it’s a great way for the newer families to meet the other women and their families.