Inspiration
A simple question was the inspiration for Brooke’s House Foundation.
WHAT IF?
The question came to our founder as he observed his nephew during a family gathering. What if this bright, energetic, kindhearted preteen had never become part of their family? Sadly, his origin story has become all too familiar – a young woman with addiction issues shows up on the doorstep of a former flame, who welcomes her, praying that she has changed. She reveals that she is pregnant, and makes a valiant attempt to get her life back on track. For a time, all is well. Although there is no genetic relationship, the compassionate man raises the boy as his own; their bond is rock solid. But her demons have a tight grip, and she disappears once more continuing her cycle of arrest, court-ordered rehab, and then back on the streets.
Idea
As a licensed professional engineer, our founder has inspected the structural integrity of thousands of homes through the years, including homes intended for use as “recovery housing”. He noted that these were often poor-quality structures located in undesirable neighborhoods. It made him think – how can we, as a society, anticipate a successful recovery outcome when vulnerable individuals are expected to thrive in homes and areas where they don’t feel safe? What if, instead, they could become part of a community where they are treated with respect, taught basic life skills, encouraged to become responsible and productive, and not shamed for previous poor choices? What if they shared responsibility for their living space with others in similar situations, and what if that space felt safe and comfortable and welcoming? Would that generate positive results?
Action
The more he pondered these questions, the more convinced he became that this was a revolutionary concept. His excitement escalated with the realization that he was in a unique position to launch a project of this nature. In addition to structural engineering, he had acquired and renovated many residences through the years, creating opportunities for many new homeowners in the Dallas Fort Worth region. Why couldn’t he use his talents to locate great homes in good neighborhoods that would serve as transitional housing for people in recovery?
Floating his idea to friends and colleagues, he received mixed reactions. While supporters thought it was a brilliant concept, detractors voiced a variety of objections: addicts are notoriously unreliable; theft and crime are rampant in neighborhoods where residential recovery homes are located; the homes will be trashed and nearby property values will plummet. Acknowledging the validity of those concerns sent him on a search for program partners with the training to support and empower the residents in their recovery.
Results
His search led him to Frank and Sherri Candelario, PH.D., founders of Kate’s House Foundation. Their shared sober living residences have overcome community objections and set the standard of care in Washington state. The Candelarios have generously offered their guidance to Brooke’s House Foundation as members of the governing board.
Our Brooke’s House team has the passion and the resources to expand upon Frank and Sherri’s vision, and it is our intention to become the model for recovery here in Texas. By eliminating housing insecurity, our homes give residents the freedom to focus on their personal healing. Our partner agencies provide funding, services, and guidance to many of our residents. Brooke’s House offers residents a new chance for a productive life filled with dignity and respect.
Life is not intended to be a solo experience. Every decision, every intention, every action affects not only the individual, but their community as well. The bonds that we create with one another are enduring, extending beyond the lifetime of a single individual. We can choose to imprint our families with intergenerational trauma, or we can choose to create strength and harmony. Brooke’s House represents an opportunity to effect positive generational impact in the lives of countless families.
The original question that inspired the formation of Brooke’s House Foundation – WHAT IF? – remains a guiding force for our team. The birth mother referenced at the beginning of this story is back on the streets. Other recovery programs have failed to address her needs. Her son has become a cherished member of a loving family, but not all are so fortunate. But what if she had the opportunity to experience recovery in a safe, secure, and supportive environment like Brooke’s House? What if?
