Keepin' it Real for recovery

FLORA, Ind. (WLFI) - The Keepin' it Real house in Flora has only been open one month, but already residents are seeing a difference in their recovery process.

Keepin' it Real Executive Director Jacqueline Partlow said television and celebrities create a false image of what rehab really is.

"People that are rich, they can go to these big resorts. But what about the women that have to come out of jail? They don't have any clothes and we have to start from scratch. So I have to tell them, were going to keep it real with you. It's not going to be easy. It's not going to be glorified or glamorized," said Partlow.

The house on 112 South Division Street in Flora is now home for women entering the Keepin' it Real program. It's far from the glamorous life, but cozy and filled with women who are helping others stay clean and be productive.

Ashley Price was the first resident to move in to the house. Her schedule as a resident includes GED courses, meditation, drug addiction meetings and keeping a job.

"It's different then a lot of recovery houses I've been to. Other recovery houses - and they have never made me feel good about myself - all they really wanted was money. It's not like that here," said Price.

Last week she earned her first paycheck.

"It felt really good, really really good actually," said Price. "I was actually able to buy things for my son. I actually got him an easter present and i'll be able to get him stuff for his birthday. I've never been able to do that before. It made me feel really really good."

Price is one of two women who are staying at the 12 bed facility. Two more women from are being recommended for the program from the Tippecanoe County court system: a steady start to the first program of its kind in Flora.

"It's been an experience. We've learned a lot. We've changed a lot. We've helped the girls," said Partlow.

Most women in the program are recommended by a judge or attorney. The Keepin' it Real house services Howard, Tippecanoe, White, and Clinton counties. 

Everything in the Keepin' it Real house is donated. They are constantly in need of many items like cleaning supplies, personal toiletries, book cases, paper products and food.

If you would like more information on Keepin' it Real please email the executive director at partlow@remconline.net .