About Us
The Keystone House is sober living home for young men in recovery, living together in mutual support. In this harmonious environment, individuals are united by desire to further their recovery from addiction. Founded in 2016, the Keystone house is dedicated to the memory of Matthew J Barba and his passion for helping young men battle addiction. Opening this sober home was Matt’s dream and his final project before he died on December 16, 2016. He battled addiction and helped many young men on their journey of sobriety. He had a beautiful, loving soul and was an inspiration to many individuals. We will continue to honor his legacy and provide a safe, supportive environment for men struggling with addiction and aid them in their journey of recovery.
Before it was the Keystone House, the Justus Humiston House was built in 1769 and is one of the oldest homes in Hamden CT. It has been renovated to be a safe haven for those in recovery from addiction. Located at 1715 Whitney Avenue in Hamden CT, It is a sober living opportunity for young men 19 years and up and offers case management, academic consultation and assistance with employment as needed. With 9 residents in recovery and one house manager, it's located on the bus line with close proximity to a bank, drug store, grocery store and fitness center.
Clinical services are provided including onsite medical consultation, psychiatric consultation, regular urinalysis, crisis intervention, family and individual psychotherapy. All residents have access to nearby CT Healing Center where they may receive regular UA's, individual psychotherapy, medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.
At CT Healing Center Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Connecticare, DCF Provider through ABH, Magellan, Optum, United Behavioral Health and Out of network providers with other insurance companies are accepted. A sliding payment scale is available based on need. Transportation to and from appointments can also be provided as needed.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (203) 288-HEAL (4325)
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference.”
Services
Services
Each resident has access to case management services and life skills coaching by a recovery coach, including one on one communication with a member of the recovery community who can assist with employment or volunteer placement. They can assist with interview preparation, obtaining references and resume building as well as lifestyle changes and goals to improve life satisfaction. Individualized treatment is encouraged to best meet the needs of every client.
Staying Clean
Random UA’s and breathalyzer are available on site as needed. Narcan and access to clinical treatment available. Morning and evening check in’s, which outline the daily house schedule and House/AA meeting attendance.
HOUSE MANAGER
The house manager stays in daily contact with all the residents and follows up to make sure residents do their house chores and attend meetings.
Residential Coordinator
The residential coordinator assists with the day to day operations of the home, overseeing daily activities, organizing recreational activities, providing transportation and assisting with conflict resolution. Emergency assistance is also available if needed.
Weekly meeting
The weekly house meeting is on Tuesday at 6:30pm. Morning and evening check-ins occur regularly. Group dinner is scheduled weekly.
Laundry
Washer / dryer available on the premises.
Transportation
Safe transport is available to: meetings, clinical appointments, medical appointments, grocery shopping, job hunting, interviews.
Common good
There is a mandatory nightly curfew for all residents. Every guest is assigned basic chores, to maintain the common spaces all enjoy.
“Most loving god, we ask your blessing upon all who suffer from addiction. Strengthen them to reach out for help. Enable them to take the first step to recovery. Bless them with the persistence to persevere in the fight to be free. Give courage and hope to their families, drawing them close together in the power of your love, which alone can transform our living. Amen.”
Support
Jennifer Barba,
Founder
Jennifer founded the Keystone House with her brother Matt in 2016. Over the years Jennifer supported Matt in his recovery and one of the most important pieces of recovery for Matt was having a safe, supportive environment in which to live. Matt's vision for the house, is that recovery here allows young men to build that essential key stone within themselves, creating support for a sober and successful life. Jennifer continues Matt’s legacy and passion to assist those in recovery with The Keystone House by providing stable housing in a safe neighborhood for young men working toward sobriety.
Cameron Bakhtiar,
Administrative Coordinator
Leslie Parker,
Psychotherapist
LCSW
Leslie Parker graduated from Fordham University with her Master’s in Social Work. She is currently employed at Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, CT Healing Center and Jewish High School of CT. Specialty areas included DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) and addiction.
Thomas Murphy,
LCSW
Tom is a seasoned professional with experience in both clinical services and program operations. He has worked in the adult mental health field, HIV services to families and youth, services to the LGBTQIA population and within the child welfare field.
Maryann Starks,
APRn
Michael Dolan
Attorney at Law
We attempt to address all our clients and patients needs to include legal services. Our clients often work with Attorney Michael Dolan who provides counsel and legal services to help alleviate stressors that often inhibit recovery.
Consultants for Keystone house include:
Jaqueline Courtmanche, Academic Consultant
Deanna D’Agostino, Registered Nurse
“During my seven-month stay at the Keystone House, I was offered the structure I needed during my transition out of in-patient treatment. I was able to gain independence while still living in a comfortable environment conducive to recovery. The integration of clinical services was very convenient as well. I attended individual therapy and medication management appointments using the services offered through Keystone House. Overall, the Keystone House helped me gain confidence and gave me the support I needed during my transition toward independent living. ”