March 7, 2022
(Every year the Catawba County United Way works to connect those in need with resources that will provide them shelter, support and hope for the future. The following is a success story submitted by one of this year’s CCUW funded partners who accomplishes these goals every day.)
The Exodus Homes Medically Assisted Recovery (MAR) Program provides a safe, residential setting for those recovering from opioid addiction that require Suboxone. Residents are required to participate in the recovery program at Exodus Homes, as well as the recovery program at the outpatient substance use treatment provider.
Brett Shields became a resident of Exodus Homes in December 2020. Brett came into the program eager to learn a new way to live and make necessary changes.
Exodus Homes program graduate and MAR Director, Catie Lawson, referred Brett to The Cognitive Connection where he was assessed at the Regular Outpatient Level of treatment and prescribed 16 mg of Suboxone daily.
MAR residents’ medication is counted at random times during the week. They are also drug tested frequently. The sole intention of the program is to help MAR residents’ taper slowly off the medication while they are learning a new way to live.
Brett was placed at Vanguard Furniture through the Exodus Works vocational training program where he was able to get back into a regular work routine while he stabilized in his MAR program.
The Exodus Works vocational training program makes it possible for employers to give Exodus Homes’ residents a trial period as trainees to evaluate their work performance and social skills. Brett put his best foot forward and was hired as a permanent full-time employee of Vanguard Furniture in May 2021.
Brett has done well in the MAR and has made good progress overall in the Exodus Homes program. He has been a model resident; he follows all rules and fully participates in his program.
Brett has a willingness to learn and is teachable. He has made major strides in his recovery in staying clean from opioids, maintaining full-time employment, and coming down to 12 mg of Suboxone daily towards the goal of tapering down off the medication completely.
Brett is the prime example of what the Exodus Homes MAR program is intended to do.
For more information about Exodus Homes and their programs call 828-324-4870.