I've lived in an Oxfordhouse for over 2 years. I've been sober from the day I moved in. I've been to 5 rehabs and other programs and failed in each one. Except Oxfordhouse. The model is the success for me and many others. The unique structure of no "managers" requires Oxfordhouse members to take responsibilty for their own finances, house finances, living area, chores and basic house duties that some members have never been required to undertake.

I support the rules that keep people safe, but rules that require staff or assume every home is a commercial business would keep Oxfordhouses from operating in Virginia, even though our model get the best results. Please change those rules, and please clarify whether house members are considered the operator.

Being accountable to other members is a vital piece of this structure. Rotating officer positions provides opportunities for members to gain experience in team building and collaboration. Many of the skills learned in this model transfer to other relationships and employment.

Oxfordhouse not only keeps me and others sober, it teaches life lessons in conflict resolution and handling money. Two skills that are criticial in sobriety.

Running the house under Roberts Rules of Order and every member being an equal part of the success, is an invaluable tool.

I have regained trust from family, gainfully employed, have a savings and feel a part of something I haven't had all my life. A bond and kinship to others who have the same issues I do.

Without the Oxfordhouse model, I would not be sober today.