This program exists to solve a specific and largely ignored barrier in our local continuum: justice-impacted neighbors who are unhoused or in recovery are often disqualified from workforce and housing pathways because they refuse to abandon their dogs. 

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Recovery Doesn't End When Treatment Does.

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For many individuals, completing detox or inpatient treatment is only the beginning of recovery.

The real challenge often begins after discharge—finding employment, securing housing, meeting court requirements, arranging transportation, and caring for the companion animal who has remained their greatest source of support.

Unfortunately, these systems rarely work together.

Too often, individuals who are justice-involved, unhoused, or rebuilding after addiction are forced to make an impossible choice: accept treatment and employment opportunities or keep the companion who helped them survive.

Project Recovery exists to change that.

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A Different Model of Recovery

Project Recovery combines recovery support, workforce development, housing navigation, justice support, and companion animal welfare into one coordinated model of care.

By integrating these services, we help participants overcome the barriers that often prevent lasting recovery while preserving the human-animal bond.

We don't simply prepare people for employment.

We help create a pathway to employment, stability, and independence.

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Employment First

Meaningful employment is one of the strongest predictors of long-term recovery.

Project Recovery advocates for an Employment First philosophy.

As participants transition from treatment and are reunited with their companion, they are strongly encouraged to pursue employment as quickly as possible.

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Serenity Paws — Our Preferred Workforce Partner

Serenity Paws serves as Project Recovery's preferred companion animal care provider and primary workforce development partner.

When employment opportunities become available, qualified Project Recovery participants receive first priority for open positions before they are offered to the general public.

Employment opportunities may include:

• Animal Care

• Kennel Operations

• Grooming Apprenticeships

• Customer Service

• Administrative Support

• Transportation & Logistics

• Facility Operations

Employment is based on available positions, qualifications, and successful completion of Serenity Paws' hiring process.

This is not simply unpaid job training.

For many participants, there is a real job waiting at the end of treatment.

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Trauma-Informed Workforce Development

Recovery is about more than getting a job.

It is about building confidence, structure, responsibility, and hope.

Our workforce development model incorporates neuroscience-based, trauma-informed practices that recognize the lasting effects of trauma while helping participants develop the skills necessary for long-term success.

Program elements include:

• Paid On-the-Job Training (OJT)

• Trauma-informed supervision

• Structured peer mentorship

• Daily routines that promote emotional regulation and executive functioning

• Professional skill development

• Resume building

• Employment coaching

• Career advancement opportunities

Wraparound Stability Services

Recovery is strongest when every barrier is addressed—not just one.

Project Recovery coordinates services that help participants build lasting stability, including:

Recovery & Justice Navigation

• Case management

• Recovery coaching

• Court obligation planning

• UA scheduling support

• Class and appointment coordination

• Community referrals

Housing Navigation

• Pet-inclusive housing resources

• Landlord advocacy

• Emotional Support Animal (ESA) guidance

• Housing application assistance

Transportation Assistance

• Transportation coordination when available

• Employment transportation

• Treatment appointments

• Veterinary appointments

• Court-related transportation

Companion Animal Wellness

In partnership with Serenity Paws, participants may receive assistance with:

• Temporary boarding during qualifying treatment

• Grooming and hygiene

• Veterinary coordination

• Vaccinations

• Annual wellness care

• Spay and neuter assistance

• Behavior support and training

• Responsible pet ownership education

Healthy companions are more likely to remain with their families and improve access to housing, employment, and long-term stability.

Measuring What Matters

Project Recovery is committed to evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement.

We track meaningful outcomes that demonstrate both participant progress and program impact, including:

• Employment placement and job retention

• Housing stability and progress

• Justice system compliance

• Income growth

• Recovery engagement

• Relapse events successfully managed

• Companion animal health and vaccination compliance

• Spay and neuter completion

• Responsible pet ownership

• Companion reunification and retention

By measuring these outcomes, we continually strengthen our program while demonstrating the value of an integrated recovery and animal welfare model.

Building Stronger Futures

Recovery is not a single event—it is a journey.

When people have access to meaningful employment, safe housing, supportive services, and the ability to keep the companion who has stood beside them through their darkest moments, they are far more likely to build stable, healthy, and independent lives.

At Project Recovery, we don't believe anyone should have to choose between recovery and the companion they love.

We help people heal. We protect the human-animal bond. We create pathways to lasting independence.

Because recovery is stronger when every barrier is addressed—and no one is left behind.