Sober Living America Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Sober Living America (SLA) is proud to announce its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of unwavering commitment to providing life-changing services to individuals battling addiction. Since its inception in 1994, Sober Living America has grown to house 2,000 individuals daily across 47 locations nationwide, becoming one of the leading sober living organizations in the United States.

About Sober Living America

Founded in 1994 by Jim DeVarennes, Sober Living America was born out of a singular vision: “Let no person be turned away due to lack of money.” Witnessing the heartbreaking reality of individuals being denied help because of financial constraints, Jim DeVarennes left a successful insurance career to establish Peachford House. His mission was clear – to connect people with a 12-Step and Christ-focused treatment curriculum. Reflecting on the journey, Jim DeVarennes states, “Our mission has always been to provide a safe and supportive environment for those in recovery, irrespective of their financial situation. Seeing lives transformed and families restored over the past 30 years has been the greatest reward.

Initially starting as a modest 5-bed facility in Atlanta, SLA rapidly expanded to 60 beds, becoming one of the largest facilities in Georgia. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals in recovery, Sober Living America launched a comprehensive jobs program that includes support from career advocates, transportation services and life skills training to enhance job readiness and placement assistance. The organization also developed a 12-Step and Christ-focused treatment curriculum to help individuals break the chains of addiction.

A Legacy of Growth and Impact

2002: Sober Living America was formally established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to provide basic needs such as food and clothing to Peachford clients.
2010: SLA took over the mission of Peachford House, continuing to expand its services and reach.
2015: SLA received its first grant, a $25,000 donation from the Scott Hudgens Foundation, to open a new location in Duluth, GA.
2016: The “Friends Care” campaign was launched to bring addiction education to college students and the general public.
2018: SLA opened its 15th center in Spartanburg, SC, offering 750 beds and serving over 5,000 individuals annually.
2019: SLA expanded to 30+ cities, developed a curriculum for success, and established SLA University for training.
2020: SLA opened new centers in Texas (Houston and Dallas), Gainesville, FL, Indianapolis, IL, and Richmond, VA. The SLA Help Center was also expanded.
2021: SLA continued its growth with 1,600+ beds in 35+ cities, opening new locations in Ohio (Cincinnati and Columbus) and Dallas, with future openings planned in St. Louis and Indianapolis.

Locations Served

Sober Living America proudly serves a wide array of locations across the United States, including major cities such as Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Greenville, SC; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Tampa, FL; Indianapolis, IL; Richmond, VA; Oklahoma City, OK; Chicago, IL; and many more. From the Southeast to the Midwest, SLA’s reach extends to over 47 locations, providing crucial support and services to individuals and families in need.

As Sober Living America celebrates this milestone, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to bring hope and services to families across the U.S., ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of recovery.

For more information about Sober Living America and its services, please contact us today.