The Way's History
The Way Recovery Support Group was first held on June 6, 2006, with two people in attendance. During 2024, a total of 130 individuals attended this twice-weekly meeting. This faith-based (non-denominational) recovery support group helps with feelings of denial, powerlessness, and hope, guiding them to turn their lives around and take action to improve themselves. Participants learn to find a sponsor, develop morals, conduct personal and spiritual inventories, admit and confess sins, and accept Jesus into their lives. They strive victory over sins, make amends to those they have hurt, seek forgiveness, and model Jesus Christ's freely given grace. Additionally, they can learn that relapse is preventable if precautions are taken, becoming leaders by encouraging others and building new relationships within their church family and community.
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On November 16, 2006, The Way of Rockport Indiana, Inc. was officially granted a 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
The first and longest-running faith-based transitional rehabilitation recovery men's home opened its doors for a 3,000 sq. ft., 15-bed facility in Rockport on July 15, 2010. This program empowers men to become survivors by helping them grow beyond their vulnerabilities, rebuild their lives, and achieve self-sufficiency. The Way Home Program adheres to a strict code of conduct, including weekly random alcohol and drug screenings. Parole officers, the City of Rockport Police Department, and the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department may conduct searches of any resident at The Way Home at any time, as they have the authority to perform alcohol and drug screenings.
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Some men stay only a couple of months, while others remain for six months to over a year. Any resident without a high school diploma is required to study for and take their GED test. Some men choose to further their education by attending college. One man graduated with an associate's degree in business administration from Oakland City University – Rockport campus, while living at The Way Home. Men who attend all required classes, church, study groups, and recovery support meetings, pass all random screenings, and meet the judicial system's requirements are eligible to graduate from The Way Home Program, as determined by the Board of Directors and Executive Director.
Effective November 1, 2022, room and board fees increased for the first time. Once residents begin receiving their payroll checks, a nominal fee of 30% of their net take-home pay (after child support and any garnishments), capped at $150 per week, is charged for room and board. Arrangements may be made for hardship cases at the discretion of the Executive Director and a Board Member. Men living on SSI or SSDI are charged 30% of their monthly net benefit, capped at $150 per week.
Men from the following counties in Indiana—Dubois, Lawrence, Harrison, Perry, Pike, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Vigo, and Warrick—and men from Butler, Daviess, Hancock, Jefferson, and Ohio counties in Kentucky have stayed at The Way Home.
During 2024, 33 men stayed at our facility for a total of 3,979 nights. We provided food for 11,937 meals to the residents during this time.
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Specific life skill classes are held throughout the year, including "Improve Your Banking Knowledge and Relationship," delivered by a local bank manager, "Life’s Healing Choices," "Financial Fitness," "3:16 The Numbers of Hope," "Toolbox for Life," "Quit and Stay Quit Nicotine Cessation" and others. Quarterly recognition dinners honor those completing various classes, where they receive graduation and perfect attendance certificates. Class materials are free for attendees.
In 2021, our Christian Counselor began offering family, couple, marriage, grief, and individual counseling. The counselor is certified and a member of the National Christian Counseling Association, providing services to residents of The Way Home and the public at no cost for materials. Throughout 2024 the counselor saw 49 clients for a total of 516 sessions.
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The APS Report is a tool used to identify a person's temperament, which determines how they react to people, places, and things. It pinpoints our perception of ourselves and influences how well we manage everyday stresses. Open to the residents of The Way Home and the general public, the cost is a one-time fee of $30 for non-residents of The Way Home. A total of seven APS tests were taken in 2024.
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In 2022, a certified advanced key supervisor began providing the Matrix Intensive Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment program, an evidence-based protocol used nationally and internationally. Since its implementation, the recidivism rate has significantly dropped. This program is open to residents of The Way Home and the public with no cost for materials. During 2024, 13 clients began this program. Nine graduated in 2024 and three graduated the first two months of 2025.
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In 2020, we began updating equipment that had experienced ten years of wear and tear. All furniture and equipment were well-used when placed in The Way Home during 2009/2010. We painted the interior a light grey, replacing the previously dirty beige. New flooring was installed in shared areas, also installed a new water heater, two new showers, four ADA-compliant commodes, new kitchen cabinets, counters, and sink. We replaced a 20-year-old air conditioner, a 40-year-old A-coil, and a 30-year-old gas furnace, along with two washers, two dryers, two freezers, and a refrigerator—all of which were no longer functioning or too costly to repair. We also upgraded all fluorescent lights to LED. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to replace porous wood dorm furniture with industrial dorm furniture and new mattresses for easier sanitization. The laundry area was painted light grey, brightening what was previously a dreary part of the basement. Recently, the office had painting completed in the back-office area. This work was completed with funding from foundations and charitable grants, volunteer labor, volunteer electrical work from the IBEW Local #16, and through the United Way’s Day of Caring events.