Dominion Diagnostics, a leading national medical laboratory with a two-decade history in Vermont and deep roots in its treatment and recovery community, has established a new scholarship to advance addiction recovery in the state. Dominion Diagnostics created the Dominion Diagnostics VFOR Scholarship with an initial funding of $9,000. Starting in January 2019, this scholarship will support the Vermont Foundation of Recovery (VFOR) by providing accessible recovery housing for individuals transitioning from addiction treatment to independent living.

Addressing a Critical Need

The scholarship responds to a recommendation from the Vermont Governor’s Opioid Coordination Council (OCC) to expand access to quality, affordable recovery housing. This aligns with Dominion’s long-standing commitment to enhancing the treatment community at various stages of care.

Many individuals reentering their communities after treatment struggle financially and are unable to cover initial deposit and first month’s rent for housing. All too often, their alternative is to return to the environment that fueled their substance use to begin with. This scholarship will allow VFOR to provide critical funds to help these individuals start safely and securely in one of VFOR’s five recovery residences.

Importance of the Scholarship

Mary Hauser, Dominion Diagnostics Vice President of Addiction Services, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. “We are keenly aware of the need for safe and sustainable housing for individuals as they leave treatment and enter early recovery,” she says.

The scholarship will have a pay-it-forward concept designed to support personal agency and service work which is a hallmark of an effective recovery program. As recipients regain independence from one of the five VFOR homes, they will be gently encouraged, if able, to pay back all or part of the scholarship received to support others who will follow. 

A Promising Pilot

Christine Johnson, Executive Director of the Chittenden County Opioid Alliance, looks forward to seeing the results of what she is calling a ‘promising pilot.’ She says the scholarship will help to fill a need that many people will utilize. “Housing for people in recovery is a vital component of what is needed for someone to overcome substance use disorders,” Johnson says. “Being able to receive a scholarship to take that step towards stable housing is a huge benefit and being able to pay it forward to others is a great opportunity.”

Dave Riegel, VFOR’s Executive Director and Board President for the Vermont Alliance of Recovery Residences (VTARR), could not agree more. “The need is so great,” he says. “This act of kindness will allow the most vulnerable access to a safe, stable, sober living environment.”

Looking Ahead

Riegel explains that VFOR will collect data on the effectiveness and sustainability of this pilot as a model to achieve the overarching goal of supporting all Vermont recovery residences. The hope is that this scholarship become a call-to-action for other Vermont businesses and organizations to support recovery residences in their geographic area.

“Lack of safe housing is one of the greatest challenges and highest risks for many clients as they leave treatment,” Dominion’s Hauser said. “By supporting VFOR with this new scholarship, we believe we are making a meaningful contribution to individuals and the recovery community.”