The Working Program allows those with full-time jobs to continue contributing to their communities and providing for their families while receiving the residential treatment they need for their substance abuse.

By not having to quit a job to enter treatment, a person has a chance to become a more reliable, efficient employee without the consequence of losing their job, quite possibly their entire career. This person is barely hanging on to their job; family life is considerably strained; and they might be one step away from jail.

Established in 1997, the Working Program follows the same phases and provides the same services as the Primary Program, but it is modified to meet the needs and schedules of the employed individual Clients remain employed during treatment and attend group or individual counseling on weekday evenings and weekends.

Just as in the Primary Program, the recovery of one Working Program client helps the community at large by saving on taxpayer resources. The client no longer relies upon public services. Involvement with the criminal justice system lessens, as do any employment issues. In fact, employers often comment about the immediate improvements they see in the person’s work ethic and attitude. An individual has the chance to become the reliable employee they once were, benefiting not only their employer, but also themself. They develop self confidence and take pride in a job well done, which reinforces the program’s success.

Through the Working Program, one also learns how to support their colleagues and how to cope with bad days at work without resorting to substance abuse. The client begins setting good examples for others struggling

with addiction, and for their family — all while contributing to the community as a taxpaying citizen.

 The Working Program is unique in that it is not a taxpayer-supported program. Project Ninety believes it is an individual’s responsibility to pay for treatment
if that individual has the ability to do so. The Working Program is based on this principle and helps
the individual’s self esteem by letting them know they are taking accountability for their own health and well-being.

Lynn: Project Ninety Alumnus, 2000

Numerous alcohol-related offenses were the story for Lynn, who started abusing drugs and alcohol at age 13. His various sentences totaled about three and a half years in jail over a 25-year period. “At Project Ninety’s Working Program my counselors and peers showed me a better way to think, act, and feel,” says Lynn. Now clean and sober for more than four and a half years, Lynn has received two promotions while working for the same employer during the past eight years. “Most importantly,” adds Lynn, “although
I am now divorced, I have become a good father and a friend with my ex-wife. I have become at peace with myself and the world I live in.”