SAFFORD — “It’s a beautiful day here in Safford, and for all people in the Gila Valley,” said Bob Rivera, board member of the Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition, during Friday’s ground breaking for the newest sober living facility, Caring Hearts for Women.
The coalition held the ceremonial ground breaking with the major donors for the project, just five months after announcing the start of fund-raising.
Taking part were representatives from Freeport-McMoRan, the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, Arizona Complete Health, and Graham County Courts and Attorney’s Office.
Fiona de Young, community liaison for U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, also presented the coalition with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for the effort the coalition has made in helping people work toward sobriety.
“The Caring Hearts name is fitting for this project, and for everybody involved,” de Young said.
Ron Cox Builders will be the general contractor overseeing construction of the women’s only facility, adjacent to the Marge Schade House of Hope Sober Living Facility for Men.
Kathy Grimes, executive director for Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition, said she hopes construction will be complete and the facility operating by September 2024. However, the first step is finding a director.
“The sooner we can identify that individual, so we can get started on what the house will look like — children or no children — and what the plan will look like; that will be great,” Grimes said.
Sober living facilities help those coming out of rehab transition back into the community, as well as provide meeting space for those in 12-step programs. The live-in facility requires sobriety, counseling, community service and helps residents obtain driver’s licenses and jobs.
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