Calvary Riverina opens fourth transitional cottage ahead of milestone anniversary

Ahead of its 10th anniversary, Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre (CRDAC) has opened a newly refurbished four-bedroom transitional house for its clients.

CRDAC is a 32-bed unit that provides a therapeutic setting for clients to begin their journey of recovery from drug and alcohol dependency.

The much-needed transitional housing’s official opening ceremony was held on 10 October. The refurbished home is one of four cottages close to the main centre.

The transitional housing is designed to give clients who are at least 12 weeks into their recovery program more responsibility while still being supported by CRDAC staff.

Recovering clients Leroy Petterson and Nicole Maclean welcomed the new cottage as part of their journey.

“It’s a nice inspiration on the journey and it gets you excited about the next phase,” Ms Maclean said. “They’ve done a fabulous job.”

Two months into their program, both clients are progressing well and looking forward to the next phase.

“We’ll be getting back into the community and work, sticking steady, and staying sober,” Mr Petterson added.

“It’s a good test, but it’s a big challenge, and it’s well worth it.”

CRDAC Nursing Unit manager Belinda Waugh said the new cottage was pivotal in providing space for everyone who graduated from the recovery program to transition towards independent living.

“We were getting quite crowded with the three houses,” Ms Waugh said.

“We were having to make people wait longer in the residential centre even after they had graduated.

“It’s sad because they’ve completed the 12-week stage of the recovery program and are ready to live on their own, but we had nowhere for them to go.”

Ms Waugh said some clients came into CRDAC’s care homeless and needed transitional housing once they had completed their treatment.

“By providing accommodation and this extra time to focus on their recovery, we are helping break the cycle,” she said.

“The rental market can be challenging, and we want to ensure our clients move into housing that is safe and in areas that support their recovery once they leave our care.

“These cottages give our clients the time and flexibility to make decisions that are right for them. It’s a new start for them.”

Ms Waugh emphasised that recovery wasn’t linear, so clients would continue to visit the centre daily as part of their program. If they needed greater support, staff were always available.

“We continue to do case management with the clients living in the transitional cottages,” she said.

“They still play a big role in the community – they’ll become leaders and help our group facilitators run sessions.

“They also take on leadership roles in the evenings, helping manage the house.”

The $450,000 refurbishment of the cottage delivered a complete overhaul, including a new kitchen and bathroom. It was jointly funded by the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) and Calvary.

“Time had taken its toll on the cottage, but through this initiative, we were able to deliver a family-friendly cottage where our clients can continue their recovery in a safe and supported environment,” Calvary Riverina Hospital general manager Michael Morris said.

“In addition to the new kitchen and bathroom, the cottage has been fitted with new flooring and furniture, as well as heating and cooling systems. The garden has been landscaped, and the roof, gutters, doors and windows were either replaced or repaired.”

CRDAC delivers educational and holistic programs to equip clients with the skills to thrive outside the centre and offers outpatient support through its day program, home detoxification services, and the Women’s Wellness Program.

Staff also help clients reintegrate into community and family life, ensuring they know they are not alone once they leave the centre.

The official 10th-anniversary celebration will take place today (16 October) with an open day for the service’s partners.

Since 2021, nearly 1000 clients have been supported by CRDAC.