About the Recovery Housing Launchpad Program ➜

Your path to opening a recovery home starts here.

  • When is the program available?

    Program Opens August 1, 2025

    Whether you’re opening your first recovery home or looking to strengthen an existing operation, this program is designed for leaders who want to build thriving, sustainable recovery communities.

  • How much does the program cost?

    Tuition Grant Funding: Available Through 2025

    While the program includes a tuition cost, The Vanderburgh Foundation is offering grant funding through the end of 2025 to help offset expenses—making this world-class training accessible to leaders of all backgrounds.

  • What's my next step?

    Apply Online

    Submitting your application is simple. Once we receive it, a member of our team will connect with you to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and help you take the first step toward success.

Part One: The Recovery Housing Leadership Academy

A nine-part training academy to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and best practices to confidently launch and lead a successful recovery home.

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Part Two: Personalized Mentorship from Vision to Opening Day

Included with your program: Expert coaching to turn your vision into a certified recovery home—tailored to your goals, and designed to provide clarity, confidence, and step-by-step support.

Your Launchpad Coaching:

Here's a breakdown of some of the benefits of our direct coaching:

  • Strategy Sessions

    Personalized sessions with VSL

    Begin your journey with one-on-one personalized strategy call where we dive into your goals and timeline. Need more support? You'll have direct access to us to schedule additional sessions as needed.

  • Biweekly Group Q&As

    Inclusion in Community-Driven Discussions

    Join us every other week for live group coaching calls, where we provide focused strategy training, updates, and answer your questions.

  • Access to The Network

    Join The Many Just Like You

    Stay connected between sessions through our private VSL Community on Thinkific. Get feedback, share wins, and collaborate with others on the same path.

Your Instructors & Coaches

Dr. Hunter T. Foote

Founder & Executive Director | VSL

Dr. Foote is a nationally recognized expert in recovery housing development. As founder of VSL, his model has helped hundreds of homes across the U.S. achieve success. With a doctorate focused on scaling social enterprise, his approach bridges the gap between mission and margin — helping real estate developers and community leaders create safe, effective homes that change lives.

Russell J. Bartlett

Private Real Estate Financier

Russell J. Bartlett is a seasoned commercial loan broker and capital advisor with a deep track record in mission-driven real estate. Since 2023, he has helped VSL raise over $20 million to fund recovery housing projects. Russell brings unmatched expertise in financing strategy, lender negotiations, and deal structuring—equipping both operators and developers with the tools to fund and scale impactful housing. As a coach and instructor, he’s known for making complex capital strategies approachable, actionable, and aligned with purpose-driven growth.

Jim Lamorge

Chief Facilities Strategist | VSL

Jim Lamorge is VSL’s Director of Facilities, with decades of experience in property management, renovation, and small business ownership. A strategic thinker with a hands-on mindset, Jim has led major renovation projects, optimized building systems, and improved financial performance across the VSL portfolio. His expertise ensures every home is safe, compliant, and operationally sound. As a coach and instructor, Jim empowers others to master the operational side of recovery housing—blending practical know-how with smart, sustainable practices.

Part Three: Access to a Thriving Leadership Network

Extend your growth beyond the classroom with community, collaboration, and real-world connections.

  • VSL Community Membership

    Join a national network of recovery housing leaders committed to excellence. The VSL community connects mission-driven operators, developers, and advocates across the country to share insights, solve challenges, and raise the standard of care in our field.

  • Immersive Training at VSL Headquarters

    $1,200 value

    Travel to our recovery housing headquarters in Webster, MA for a two-day training experience. Tour certified recovery homes, meet our team, and participate in live workshops designed to reinforce your learning and deepen your leadership practice.

  • Exclusive Partner Access

    Get connected to VSL’s trusted network of service providers, consultants, and field experts. These vetted partners offer specialized support in areas like compliance, accounting, real estate, and clinical integration—saving you time and accelerating your impact.

Available Grant Opportunities

The Vanderburgh Foundation is committed to making world-class training accessible for everyone.

This Launchpad designed to equip you for long-term success as a recovery housing leader by equipping you to open your first home. To help make this possible for leaders of all backgrounds, program applicants are automatically considered for grant funding through the Vanderburgh Foundation. Approved applicants will receive a personalized offer detailing available grant support and any remaining tuition, based on financial need and location. The Foundation's mission is to remove financial barriers for those ready to lead with purpose.
Submit a Grant Application

Questions about the next steps?

Reach out to learn more about how VSL equips sober house operators and mission-focused real estate developers.