Michael S., House Manager at Bay Home in Parkville, shares what life in our recovery house is all about. At Bay Home, we focus on five key areas — Tools & Training, Expectations, Accountability, Motivation, and Support — to help residents build independence, stay engaged in recovery, and grow into a life they truly love. If you or a loved one are considering sober living, this gives a clear look at what you can expect in a supportive and structured environment.

T – Tools & Training

Residents gain practical life tools and resources they can use every day — things like finding and keeping a job, engaging in AA/NA or other recovery communities, setting healthy boundaries, and managing conflict. The home itself acts as a training ground where residents practice these skills in a safe, supportive environment.

E – Expectations

Success in recovery requires structure. Expectations include waking up on time, keeping a routine, completing chores, attending recovery or spiritual meetings, maintaining employment, following curfews, and being an active member of the house community.

A – Accountability

Residents hold themselves and each other to shared standards of respect, safety, and recovery engagement. House leadership provides guidance, but accountability also comes from peers — creating a cooperative, reliable environment.

M – Motivation

The program helps each resident connect recovery with personal passions and goals. By identifying what makes life meaningful, residents learn that sobriety isn’t about restriction — it’s about building a life they actually enjoy and want to sustain.

S – Support

Support is ongoing, adjusting as residents grow. At first it may mean hands-on help navigating early recovery. Later, it shifts into encouragement through transitions and celebrating successes. At its core, Bay Home is built on active caring, ensuring residents never feel alone in their journey.