Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/898390
The Nest Provides Women with a Sober Space B Y B R E T T W I L B U R SHORTCUTS GIVING BACK Robin DeFilippi (left) and Vicki McMillan have created a safe haven for women newly out of rehab to reintegrate into society in a supportive living environment. 86 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 7 Photo: Kelli Uldall I n a spacious home close to public trans- portation and 12-Step recovery programs, the only women's sober living environment in Monterey recently opened to support those who have just completed a drug or alcohol treatment program. Vicki McMillan (who also works for Carmel Magazine) and counselor Robin DeFilippi were inspired to establish a sober living house after experiencing the many ups and downs of helping loved ones struggling with addiction. McMillan emphasizes the importance of a supportive envi- ronment during the vulnerable period post-rehab. "It's important that these women are not being pushed and rushed into their old life right out of rehab with the same people and environment that they were using in," she says. "It's proven over and over again that sober living homes greatly increase the chances of a full recovery." The Nest has a zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol and requires a two-month minimum stay. Residents pay a reasonable fee and a live- in "house mom" provides oversight and accountability to the women in recovery. "There is no easy fix to the disease of addic- tion but we want to do our part," McMillan says. "It's just a safe place for women to live and be supported by other women, and to be able to get back into the mainstream of a productive life enjoying jobs, school and their families." For more information, go to www.mon- tereysoberliving.com or contact Robin DeFilippi at robindefilippi@aol.com or Vicki McMillan at vickimcmillan@me.com.