Recovery United Pittsburgh Foundation Inc.

RE: Complaint from Ms*** ** *** - reference number: ***To Whom It May Concern:The intent of this letter is in response to a complaint filed by Ms*** *** in regards to her daughters stay at one of our transitional living facilitiesIn the complaint Ms*** made several
references and accusations regarding a business, our business in which she knows little to nothing aboutOur business, Recovery United Pittsburgh Foundation Inchas been operating transitional living facilities, also known as 3/houses for roughly yearsWe have been an Incorporated, non-profit, 501cfor almost yearsOver the course of the past years our business has grown from % houses to now operating houses, and a licensed Outpatient Treatment Center.In regards to Ms***’s letter, referencing a line in which she wrote, “I was under the impression that they “watch” the girls and guide them and keep them out of trouble.” She went on to say that this is not true, I would have to strongly disagree; our program is not a halfway house, a halfway house restricts its clients from doing anything without prior consent, and still are very limited in what they can do, with limited and minimal ins and outs of the facilityThis is not the case in a 3/house; we do provide “staff’, “house managers” who are there to monitor the ins and outs, the perform drug and alcohol screens, to check the girls, and yes to monitor them; however, there is enough freedom for the residents to live a productive lifeWe provide structure, with enough freedom to learn how to live life productively in societyMs*** also stated that the house manager is rarely there, and spends her time rotating among other houses; this also is very untrue, and I question how she would even know what any of our staff do on a daily basisThe particular house where Ms***’s daughter resided had our best house manager thereThis manager has been with us for several years, and is in recovery herself for multiple yearsShe resides at the house, she does not sleep or stay at any other house; she is there to perform all house manager duties as afore mentioned, as well as additionally waking the girls up, holding house meetings, making sure all chores and house duties are done and maintainedThe house manager does leave the house during the day, as she is employed with us aside from taking care of that particular house, however contrary to what Ms*** believes the manager is only gone for a few hours during the day, and at this time there are 1-assistant house managers there to assist in any issues that may ariseFurthermore, mentioned in the letter it was stated that our zero tolerance policy for drug use was a lie; I find that quite interesting a statement considering her daughter was discharged from our program for using, holding true of our zero tolerance policyMs*** stated to me on the phone, that it was ludicrous that we allowed a resident who had formerly been in our program, who had relapsed back into our program; at that I ask this; would you too like your daughter to receive another chance? Do you too believe your daughter is entitled to another chance? As no one persons journey is the same,it is true that several of our clients are repeat clients, just as this is not her daughter first attempt at trying to be clean; the nature of the disease of addiction is addicts use, the relapse, and the percentage of success is very lowSo yes, we do allow people second, even third chances in our transitional housing facilitiesThe part where Ms*** was misunderstanding and miscommunications is that if someone is caught using, they are discharged immediately; if they wish to re-enter the program they may or may not be permitted, depending on the situation; if they only used once, if they have continued to use, etcIt is true that for residents who continue to use, we can and do aide them into re-entering treatment, so they can begin their process againIf someone uses one time, the need for treatment may not be necessary, nor would it be authorized by the insurance companiesMs*** expressed to me on the phone previous to this formal complain that her daughter used because the manager was not home, and her roommate was using heroin in their bed roomThe facts in this situation are; yes, her roommate was discharged from the program, however she did not use heroin, she drank a bottle of hand sanitizer, and she did not do it in the house, she was caught coming home intoxicated by the house manager who was in fact homeThe following day, after the roommate had been out of the house for hours Ms***’s daughter was discharged for coming home high, under the influence of opiatesThe story Ms***’s daughter, who at this point is in active addiction told her was falseWe do not find this hard to believe, most addicts currently using do not often tell the truth, the surprising fact to us is that after being informed of the truth Ms*** continues to proceedLastly, in regards to the statement made about “.John M*** having beds at $per month, must be great to be a non-profit...” At this remark, I would invite Ms*** to educate herself in what a non-profit, 501cis; as I informed Ms*** there is no ownership at Recovery United Pittsburgh Foundation Inc., as a non-profit, there is a Board of Directors, and staff personnelJohn M*** is the founder and CEO of the company, he collects a paycheck like the rest of the employees in the transitional housing department, and the IOP FacilityAs with any and every non-profit, employees are paid fair market wages, and the remaining monies gained in business are sent back into the business for the betterment of such.In regards to the request of receiving monies back, we will respectfully deny that requestAs afore mentioned, with people In recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, often times the process is met with relapses’If we gave refunds to everyone who relapsed, we would not have a business, additionally, every client upon entering signs a contract stating that if they are discharged for any reason, at any time, regardless of when monies are paid, there will be no refundWe are empathetic to Ms***’s situation, and we were willing to accept her back into our program, free of charge, to allow another chance, Ms*** declined that option, although her daughter verbally expressed desire to re-enter to our managerIt is unfortunate the way these events played out, there are many % houses in the area, many you would not wish to send your worst enemy to; we are widely known, and highly recommended by all the rehabs in the tri-state regionIt is unfortunate one persons’ ill experience; however we stand strong behind all our policies, and procedures.Thank you for your time, and consideration Ali B***Administrative Director ***

RE: Complaint from Ms. [redacted] - reference number: [redacted]To Whom It May Concern:The intent of this letter is in response to a complaint filed by Ms. [redacted] in regards to her daughters stay at one of our transitional living facilities. In the complaint Ms....

[redacted] made several references and accusations regarding a business, our business in which she knows little to nothing about. Our business, Recovery United Pittsburgh Foundation Inc. has been operating transitional living facilities, also known as 3/4 houses for roughly 8 years. We have been an Incorporated, non-profit, 501c3 for almost 3 years. Over the course of the past 3 years our business has grown from 4 % houses to now operating 9 houses, and a licensed Outpatient Treatment Center.In regards to Ms. [redacted]’s letter, referencing a line in which she wrote, “I was under the impression that they “watch” the girls and guide them and keep them out of trouble.” She went on to say that this is not true, I would have to strongly disagree; our program is not a halfway house, a halfway house restricts its clients from doing anything without prior consent, and still are very limited in what they can do, with limited and minimal ins and outs of the facility. This is not the case in a 3/4 house; we do provide “staff’, “house managers” who are there to monitor the ins and outs, the perform drug and alcohol screens, to check the girls, and yes to monitor them; however, there is enough freedom for the residents to live a productive life. We provide structure, with enough freedom to learn how to live life productively in society. Ms. [redacted] also stated that the house manager is rarely there, and spends her time rotating among 5 other houses; this also is very untrue, and I question how she would even know what any of our staff do on a daily basis. The particular house where Ms. [redacted]’s daughter resided had our best house manager there. This manager has been with us for several years, and is in recovery herself for multiple years. She resides at the house, she does not sleep or stay at any other house; she is there to perform all house manager duties as afore mentioned, as well as additionally waking the girls up, holding house meetings, making sure all chores and house duties are done and maintained. The house manager does leave the house during the day, as she is employed with us aside from taking care of that particular house, however contrary to what Ms. [redacted] believes the manager is only gone for a few hours during the day, and at this time there are 1-2 assistant house managers there to assist in any issues that may arise. Furthermore, mentioned in the letter it was stated that our zero tolerance policy for drug use was a lie; I find that quite interesting a statement considering her daughter was discharged from our program for using, holding true of our zero tolerance policy. Ms. [redacted] stated to me on the phone, that it was ludicrous that we allowed a resident who had formerly been in our program, who had relapsed back into our program; at that I ask this; would you too like your daughter to receive another chance? Do you too believe your daughter is entitled to another chance? As no one persons journey is the same,it is true that several of our clients are repeat clients, just as this is not her daughter first attempt at trying to be clean; the nature of the disease of addiction is addicts use, the relapse, and the percentage of success is very low. So yes, we do allow people second, even third chances in our transitional housing facilities. The part where Ms. [redacted] was misunderstanding and miscommunications is that if someone is caught using, they are discharged immediately; if they wish to re-enter the program they may or may not be permitted, depending on the situation; if they only used once, if they have continued to use, etc. It is true that for residents who continue to use, we can and do aide them into re-entering treatment, so they can begin their process again. If someone uses one time, the need for treatment may not be necessary, nor would it be authorized by the insurance companies. Ms. [redacted] expressed to me on the phone previous to this formal complain that her daughter used because the manager was not home, and her roommate was using heroin in their bed room. The facts in this situation are; yes, her roommate was discharged from the program, however she did not use heroin, she drank a bottle of hand sanitizer, and she did not do it in the house, she was caught coming home intoxicated by the house manager who was in fact home. The following day, after the roommate had been out of the house for 24 hours Ms. [redacted]’s daughter was discharged for coming home high, under the influence of opiates. The story Ms. [redacted]’s daughter, who at this point is in active addiction told her was false. We do not find this hard to believe, most addicts currently using do not often tell the truth, the surprising fact to us is that after being informed of the truth Ms. [redacted] continues to proceed. Lastly, in regards to the statement made about “.. .John M[redacted] having 113 beds at $400 per month, must be great to be a non-profit...” At this remark, I would invite Ms. [redacted] to educate herself in what a non-profit, 501c3 is; as I informed Ms. [redacted] there is no ownership at Recovery United Pittsburgh Foundation Inc., as a non-profit, there is a Board of Directors, and staff personnel. John M[redacted] is the founder and CEO of the company, he collects a paycheck like the rest of the employees in the transitional housing department, and the IOP Facility. As with any and every non-profit, employees are paid fair market wages, and the remaining monies gained in business are sent back into the business for the betterment of such.In regards to the request of receiving monies back, we will respectfully deny that request. As afore mentioned, with people In recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, often times the process is met with relapses’. If we gave refunds to everyone who relapsed, we would not have a business, additionally, every client upon entering signs a contract stating that if they are discharged for any reason, at any time, regardless of when monies are paid, there will be no refund. We are empathetic to Ms. [redacted]’s situation, and we were willing to accept her back into our program, free of charge, to allow another chance, Ms. [redacted] declined that option, although her daughter verbally expressed desire to re-enter to our manager. It is unfortunate the way these events played out, there are many % houses in the area, many you would not wish to send your worst enemy to; we are widely known, and highly recommended by all the rehabs in the tri-state region. It is unfortunate one persons’ ill experience; however we stand strong behind all our policies, and procedures.Thank you for your time, and consideration
Ali B[redacted]
Administrative Director 
[redacted]

Review: My step daughter had an issue with drugs. She had six months clean. She decided that a 3/4 house was a good start. So we paid the 200 to hold the bed and 200 when she arrived. When we went to tour the home, the house manager said that staff is at the house 24 hours a day. We asked questions about vistors, curfew, and what support she could receive in the house. What she would need to bring to the house. I was under the impression that they "watch" the girls guide them and keep them out of trouble. This is so far from the truth. Truth is the house manager has 5 houses she rotates to. The staff member that is to be at the house is seldom there. Were were told there is a zero tolerance for abuse. But if drug use was involved, they would have that person leave the home, get help and return to a different house. It is all lies. I under stand people relapse, yes my daughter did, but since there is no supervision its a free for all. The owner John M[redacted] said he has 113 beds. Wow at 400.00 a month, being a non profit must be great. When you believe people are there to help your daughter, its a shame when the truth comes out.Desired Settlement: I would like my money back, because they commit fraud each time they misrepresent themselves. But really its not about the money, my daughter has taken her responsibility for using that night, they should take responsibility for creating an environment that is a detriment for recovery.

Business

Response:

RE: Complaint from Ms. [redacted] - reference number: [redacted]To Whom It May Concern:The intent of this letter is in response to a complaint filed by Ms. [redacted] in regards to her daughters stay at one of our transitional living facilities. In the complaint Ms. [redacted] made several references and accusations regarding a business, our business in which she knows little to nothing about. Our business, Recovery United Pittsburgh Foundation Inc. has been operating transitional living facilities, also known as 3/4 houses for roughly 8 years. We have been an Incorporated, non-profit, 501c3 for almost 3 years. Over the course of the past 3 years our business has grown from 4 % houses to now operating 9 houses, and a licensed Outpatient Treatment Center.In regards to Ms. [redacted]’s letter, referencing a line in which she wrote, “I was under the impression that they “watch” the girls and guide them and keep them out of trouble.” She went on to say that this is not true, I would have to strongly disagree; our program is not a halfway house, a halfway house restricts its clients from doing anything without prior consent, and still are very limited in what they can do, with limited and minimal ins and outs of the facility. This is not the case in a 3/4 house; we do provide “staff’, “house managers” who are there to monitor the ins and outs, the perform drug and alcohol screens, to check the girls, and yes to monitor them; however, there is enough freedom for the residents to live a productive life. We provide structure, with enough freedom to learn how to live life productively in society. Ms. [redacted] also stated that the house manager is rarely there, and spends her time rotating among 5 other houses; this also is very untrue, and I question how she would even know what any of our staff do on a daily basis. The particular house where Ms. [redacted]’s daughter resided had our best house manager there. This manager has been with us for several years, and is in recovery herself for multiple years. She resides at the house, she does not sleep or stay at any other house; she is there to perform all house manager duties as afore mentioned, as well as additionally waking the girls up, holding house meetings, making sure all chores and house duties are done and maintained. The house manager does leave the house during the day, as she is employed with us aside from taking care of that particular house, however contrary to what Ms. [redacted] believes the manager is only gone for a few hours during the day, and at this time there are 1-2 assistant house managers there to assist in any issues that may arise. Furthermore, mentioned in the letter it was stated that our zero tolerance policy for drug use was a lie; I find that quite interesting a statement considering her daughter was discharged from our program for using, holding true of our zero tolerance policy. Ms. [redacted] stated to me on the phone, that it was ludicrous that we allowed a resident who had formerly been in our program, who had relapsed back into our program; at that I ask this; would you too like your daughter to receive another chance? Do you too believe your daughter is entitled to another chance? As no one persons journey is the same,it is true that several of our clients are repeat clients, just as this is not her daughter first attempt at trying to be clean; the nature of the disease of addiction is addicts use, the relapse, and the percentage of success is very low. So yes, we do allow people second, even third chances in our transitional housing facilities. The part where Ms. [redacted] was misunderstanding and miscommunications is that if someone is caught using, they are discharged immediately; if they wish to re-enter the program they may or may not be permitted, depending on the situation; if they only used once, if they have continued to use, etc. It is true that for residents who continue to use, we can and do aide them into re-entering treatment, so they can begin their process again. If someone uses one time, the need for treatment may not be necessary, nor would it be authorized by the insurance companies. Ms. [redacted] expressed to me on the phone previous to this formal complain that her daughter used because the manager was not home, and her roommate was using heroin in their bed room. The facts in this situation are; yes, her roommate was discharged from the program, however she did not use heroin, she drank a bottle of hand sanitizer, and she did not do it in the house, she was caught coming home intoxicated by the house manager who was in fact home. The following day, after the roommate had been out of the house for 24 hours Ms. [redacted]’s daughter was discharged for coming home high, under the influence of opiates. The story Ms. [redacted]’s daughter, who at this point is in active addiction told her was false. We do not find this hard to believe, most addicts currently using do not often tell the truth, the surprising fact to us is that after being informed of the truth Ms. [redacted] continues to proceed. Lastly, in regards to the statement made about “.. .John M[redacted] having 113 beds at $400 per month, must be great to be a non-profit...” At this remark, I would invite Ms. [redacted] to educate herself in what a non-profit, 501c3 is; as I informed Ms. [redacted] there is no ownership at Recovery United Pittsburgh Foundation Inc., as a non-profit, there is a Board of Directors, and staff personnel. John M[redacted] is the founder and CEO of the company, he collects a paycheck like the rest of the employees in the transitional housing department, and the IOP Facility. As with any and every non-profit, employees are paid fair market wages, and the remaining monies gained in business are sent back into the business for the betterment of such.In regards to the request of receiving monies back, we will respectfully deny that request. As afore mentioned, with people In recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, often times the process is met with relapses’. If we gave refunds to everyone who relapsed, we would not have a business, additionally, every client upon entering signs a contract stating that if they are discharged for any reason, at any time, regardless of when monies are paid, there will be no refund. We are empathetic to Ms. [redacted]’s situation, and we were willing to accept her back into our program, free of charge, to allow another chance, Ms. [redacted] declined that option, although her daughter verbally expressed desire to re-enter to our manager. It is unfortunate the way these events played out, there are many % houses in the area, many you would not wish to send your worst enemy to; we are widely known, and highly recommended by all the rehabs in the tri-state region. It is unfortunate one persons’ ill experience; however we stand strong behind all our policies, and procedures.Thank you for your time, and consideration Ali B[redacted]Administrative Director [redacted]