We are thrilled to announce the opening of Vermont Foundation of Recovery’s tenth certified recovery residence — a new home for women in Essex Junction. This milestone strengthens a statewide network of certified recovery homes and reflects our continued commitment to expanding safe, structured recovery housing across Vermont.

This new expansion includes six recovery residence beds and four transitional apartment beds, designed to support women in early recovery from substance use disorder through support, accountability, and connection. With this expansion, VFOR now operates 79 recovery beds statewide, reflecting a 40% increase in capacity since September 2024.

Recovery residences play a distinct role in the continuum of care. They are nonclinical, programmatic environments grounded in shared expectations, peer support, and personal responsibility. They are places where hope is rebuilt, where individuals can focus on recovery, rediscover their strengths, and begin to imagine what comes next.

This expansion was made possible through a partnership with Champlain Housing Trust, allowing each organization to focus on its expertise while supporting strong recovery outcomes.

To learn more, visit www.vfor.org.

Applications are now being accepted for January occupancy, with a ribbon-cutting celebration planned in the coming months.

🤍 Recovery grows through hope, connection, and community. 🤍

Vermont Foundation of Recovery (VFOR) is proud to announce that David Riegel, one of the organization’s co-founders, has officially assumed the role of full-time Executive Director. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for VFOR, positioning the organization for continued growth, long-term sustainability, and expanded impact across the state.

David’s deep roots in Vermont’s recovery movement, combined with his lived experience and strategic leadership, reflect the growing strength of recovery organizations statewide. His full-time role will allow him to focus on expanding access to certified recovery residences, deepening partnerships, and ensuring that VFOR remains a trusted resource for individuals and families navigating the path from substance use to stability and independence. “David stepping into this position full-time is a powerful signal,” said John Rogers, President of VFOR’s Board of Directors. “It demonstrates the maturity and momentum of VFOR and the broader recovery landscape in Vermont.”

A native of Waterbury and graduate of Harwood Union High School, David has been in recovery since 2007. In 2008, he began renting his own home to others in recovery, sparking a commitment that has shaped his life’s work. Recognizing the need for safe, structured, and peer-led recovery housing, he helped establish VFOR in 2013. Since then, he has played a central role in growing the organization to include 79 beds across the state by the end of 2025.

David has also been instrumental in statewide recovery initiatives. He was a founding board member of the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VTARR), which brought national certification standards to Vermont. David currently serves as Treasurer of the Recovery Partners of Vermont Board and was recently appointed to the Vermont Community Development Board, further strengthening VFOR’s voice within the housing and recovery sectors.

With this transition, David will lead VFOR in building the next phase of its work—focusing on expansion into underserved regions like Addison County, strengthening internal systems, and reinforcing its financial foundation to ensure the organization can serve Vermonters for generations to come.

“Being able to dedicate myself fully to VFOR’s mission is an incredible honor,” said Riegel. “Recovery is possible when people have a safe place to land, structure to grow, and a community to support them. I’m excited to build on what we’ve started and to help more Vermonters find lasting recovery.”

For more information about Vermont Foundation of Recovery, visit www.vfor.org.