Deaf Bridges to Recovery

Deaf Bridges to Recovery (DBR) is a program of CaringWorks and is the only one of its kind in the southeast region of the United States. The 70 bed program is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia and is operated out of Hope House, another residential program of CaringWorks. The program empowers participants to maintain sobriety, address mental health needs, and develop skills for independent living. DBR offers housing for up to 2 years, an individualized treatment plan, care coordination, medication management, 1-on-1 counseling, connection to other services as needed, and more. The program includes 3 meals a day, psychoeducation classes like anger management, problem solving, and relapse prevention, and case management services for employment, assistance with legal/court issues, GED programs, and more. DBR provides a room with a flashing light, a deaf lounge and TV with closed captioning, ASL and literacy classes, deaf NA meetings, and assistive technology. All services are provided by deaf and hard-of-hearing staff members who are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and also trained to provide evidence-based practices.

To be eligible for the DBR program, individuals must be male, 18 years old or above, low-income, homeless, need substance abuse treatment and recovery support, and be deaf or hard of hearing. Georgia residents will be given priority, but the program accepts and welcomes people from any other state. All prospective members will meet with the DBR team for pre-screening and assessment to determine program eligibility. Once an individual is determined to be a good candidate for the program, they will need to provide a homeless verification letter, tuberculosis verification, and rapid plasma reagin verification.