SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. -- Dozens of men and women at the Sarasota County Jail have one thing in common: fighting addiction. The jail's Addiction Recovery Program is helping these adults prepare to succeed in the real world without depending on drugs or alcohol. The Program was a concept introduced by SURE, Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity, and instituted in partnership with The Salvation Army and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

 

The Sarasota County Jail launched the program in July 2009 with one men’s pod, but quickly expanded to include a women’s wing as well.  Since its inception, this program has contributed to improving the quality of life in our community – at NO cost to taxpayers.  The Addiction Recovery Program allows inmates to embrace free but valuable resources in an immersive, recovery-focused environment. Upon release, they can continue the rehabilitation process with the contacts they have established in the recovery community. 

 

Serving both women and men in the county jail, this addiction rehabilitation program is provided by volunteers who teach sober living skills. This jail program has marshaled over 100 volunteers from the recovery and church communities to work in collaboration with the staff of The Salvation Army. We are currently serving 48 men and 48 women, with a waiting list for the program.