When VFOR co-founders, David Riegel and Andrew Gonyea, met in the mid 2000s, they were at a crossroads. They were each early in their respective recoveries from substance use disorder and both recognized the incredible power of peer support in the recovery process. They realized that there was a great need for safe, transparent, well-managed, recovery housing in the state.
Armed only with a desire to help other Vermonters in recovery, David and Andrew took what they had learned from their respective experiences in what were then called “sober houses,” and started a residence of their own for others in recovery. They didn’t have any money, and neither of them knew anything about starting a nonprofit, let alone managing one, but with a little bit of grit and a lot of love and empathy, they managed to
get VFOR incorporated as a federally recognized nonprofit charitable organization in 2013.
Starting with just one residence in Chittenden County, VFOR has grown its network of recovery residences to communities throughout the state. At present, VFOR operates nine residences in Barre, Bennington, Essex Junction, Morrisville, Rutland, St. Albans, and St. Johnsbury.
The growth has been exciting, but the work has only just begun. As Vermont’s recovery needs grow, so does VFOR’s dedication to providing meaningful solutions. Our vision is to establish recovery residences in every community that has an existing recovery center, offering specialized support tailored to each population’s unique needs. With the support of our partners, donors, and community members, we are building a brighter future—one recovery home at a time.
VFOR is one tile in a mosaic of support services for Vermonters in recovery, all working in concert to meet this growing need. Through collaboration with local partners, advocacy efforts, and ongoing innovation, VFOR continues to expand its reach and impact. Together, we can achieve the goal of supporting any Vermonter who wants help, receive the recovery support services they need for every part of their recovery journey, in their local communities, and without delay.
