Pay it Forward: The Safe Place Foundation providing a helping hand for those in need

Cedar Rapids, IA — Those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction have a place to help in recovery in the form of the Safe Place Foundation in Cedar Rapids.

"We provide transitional housing to men in early recovery in drug and alcohol addiction," said Ross Hauser, the Executive Director of The Safe Place Foundation. "Most are coming here straight out of treatment, and out of corrections."

The organization provides an alcohol and drug free transitional housing space for those struggling with addiction. Support staff, volunteer involvement and mentorship are all provided in order to help return these men back to the community.

"Our mission is to return recovered men to family and community," said Hauser.

However, due to the nature of addiction, success isn't always black and white.

"There is some turnover with what we’re dealing with, said Hauser. "Alcoholism and drug addiction are difficult to deal with. You can’t plot it on a course and say this is a success and this isn’t, like you can in some other things."

Recovery at the Safe Place Foundation is broken up into two phases, with the first primarily focused on getting clean and life development. As time goes on, tasks such as searching for a job and employment, budgeting, and saving money are phased in to transition them into independent living.

Helping in the recovery process is personal to Hauser as well.

"I’m in recovery too," he said. "I need to work with new people in recovery just as bad as everybody else does. I’ve been there, I’ve been where these guys are at and know what they’re going through, because I've been there myself."

In an effort to raise awareness and funds for the organization, The safe place is throwing a golf outing at Wildcat Golf Course in Shellsburg on May 20.

"It's to raise money for The Safe Place, but also to let the community know, 'hey we’re still here' and this is what we do if you got a friend or family member who’s got a problem with alcohol or drugs."

If you would like to know more about The Safe Place Foundation or the gold outing on May 20, visit their website here.