Organisation brings light into lives of recovering addicts

ALMOST three years ago, Ronel Johnson, the founder of the non-profit company, Sam’s Voice – Clean and Sober Living Home, found herself falling into depression after the loss of her youngest daughter, who died after battling a drug addiction. For more than a year she wallowed alone in her cottage after moving from Johannesburg to Durban following the death of her daughter, Samantha, when she overdosed on March 15, 2020.

Johnson said in 2021, while visiting a friend who had opened a safe home in Johannesburg for recovering addicts, she also decided to take that leap of faith and open a home. In January 2022, she together with her husband, Nicholas Kryshaar, opened the home in Brighton Beach, which caters for men recovering from various addictions including drug and alcohol abuse, gambling and sex, among others. The home currently has eight men, but can cater for up to 17.

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“A sober home provides a safe space for recovering addicts and they are not immediately exposed to things that might cause them to relapse. They are also able to be with others who are in recovery and can support one another on their journey,” she said.

Kryshaar, the director and addiction counsellor at the home, said their aim was to help recovering addicts reintegrate into society at their own pace.

“We offer them a safe place, as well as on-site counselling. We take them to church, support group meetings and hospital appointments. We are also in contact with a few employment agencies, and we help them make their CVs and apply for jobs. Johnson said, however, they were struggling to keep afloat with the rising costs. “While we do charge a flat rate, the majority of the men either don’t pay the full amount, sometimes or nothing at all. They come from a life of addiction, some with no jobs or families, how can we turn our backs on them?” she said.

Kryshaar said with the assistance from their church, they were recently registered as a NPC

“Now that we are registered, we are asking for help from the community and businesses to keep our doors open. However, we need between R45 000 to R50 000 a month to keep afloat. We have to pay rent, utility bills, WiFi, fuel and a domestic helper,” he said.

Johnson added that one of their biggest costs was for food. “We are providing three meals a day and can spend anything between R12 000 and R16 000 per month. We would really appreciate any financial assistance or food donations, even a cooked meal for the day,” she said. For more information call 060 887 0535.

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