CASPAR
Cambridge and Somerville Programs for Addiction Recovery
CASPAR (Cambridge And Somerville Programs for Addiction Recovery)—a part of Bay Cove Human Services—is a community-based non-profit organization founded in 1970 in response to growing community need for substance use treatment. At that time, no treatment options existed other than local hospital emergency rooms for the 10% of the population affected by substance use disorders. The decriminalization of alcoholism in Massachusetts in the early 1970s—a legislative initiative spearheaded by CASPAR’s founders— reinforced CASPAR’s recognition that people with substance use disorders require treatment, not incarceration.
Since 1970, CASPAR has grown from a single halfway house for men and a shelter for homeless men and women, to a comprehensive array of services that provide access to people wherever they are on the substance use-recovery continuum. From street outreach to aftercare housing, CASPAR’s programs all reflect a shared commitment to non-judgmental, person-centered care for men and women who struggle with substance use. In July 2014, CASPAR became part of Boston-based Bay Cove Human Services, an agency with (at the time) more than 40 years’ experience in the field of substance use services, and a shared philosophy and approach to caring for men and women with substance use disorder.
Today, CASPAR is widely recognized for its proactive programmatic response to emerging populations, trends in substance use disorders, and evidence-based research. Its reputation as the leading provider of substance use disorder services in the area, and as a pioneer in cutting-edge service delivery shapes CASPAR’s vision for the future of person-centered treatment for high-risk populations.
Andrea’s Story
Andrea came from a family with a history of addiction, and had been in and out of detox several times due to struggles with heroin. She suffered through a series of precarious living situations, including periods of homelessness.
It was during one of these periods that she found out about CASPAR’s Woman Place program, and she caught a break when a bed opened up sooner than expected. Counseling and group sessions helped her to look honestly at her behaviors, and awakened a strong desire to get and stay clean.
Thank you to the Cummings Foundation for selecting CASPAR as a Sustaining Grant recipient!
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CASPAR First Step Street Outreach
Our First Step Street Outreach program brings life-saving supports to unsheltered homeless adults who are impacted by behavioral health challenges, substance use, and medical complications associated with life on the streets.
Every evening, the Street Team canvassess the streets of Cambridge and Somerville from 2PM to 12PM distributing lifesaving supplies, like meals, clothing, and weather gear. Another 40 hours per week is devoted to medical and case management outreach.
To contact a member of the First Step team, please call 617-592-6895.
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CASPAR Emergency Services & Shelter
The CASPAR Emergency Services Center (ESC) is a 24 hour shelter for adults, with no sobriety requirements for admission. The ESC uses a reserved bed system for 52 beds, and a lottery system for 8 emergency beds.
At the ESC, guests have access to meals, hygiene supplies, showers, clean clothes, medical care, and case management, and housing assistance. Weekdays, the staff includes a therapy dog, Maddie.
ESC Shelter Location: 240 Albany St., Cambridge. Phone: 617-661-0600.
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CASPAR's Residential Recovery Programs
CASPAR provides gender specific recovery treatment in Cambridge and Somerville for adults 18+ who have completed detox (or are otherwise not at risk for withdrawal) and seeking to stabilize in early recovery.
These structured, six-to-nine month residential programs are designed to support residents to build early recovery skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
Upon graduation, residents are equipped with a strong recovery network and the tools to succeed in a sober permanent housing setting.
CASPAR II’s phone: 617-623-5277
Woman Place’s phone: 617-661-6020
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CASPAR 's Enhanced Residential Recovery Treatment Program
CASPAR provides enhanced residential recovery treatment for adults 18+ who are experiencing co-occurring substance use disorder and behavioral health challenges.
The Enhanced Programs are community-based, where individuals receive services in a structured, therapeutic setting.
In this carefully crafted program, residents stabilize their behavioral health and reconnect with community based providers while learning the building blocks necessary for long-term recovery.
New Day’s phone: 617-628-8188
CASPAR I’s phone: 617-623-5277
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CASPAR's Aftercare and Recovery Housing
CASPAR offers two gender specific aftercare and recovery housing programs for people who have graduated from residential recovery treatment programs but may need more time to stabilize in recovery.
Residents are required to be employed, to have a community based substance use counselor, and to be actively working towards their stated goals.
CASPAR’s connections with the local peer support system is central to the success of these programs, and help residents sustain progress and remain focused on long-term recovery goals.
Grow House’s phone: 617-661-6020
Hagan Manor’s Phone: 617-623-5277
“Coming here, I discovered for the first time that I really liked the feeling of being honest with myself and others, and taking honest consequences. I was told [at Woman Place] that they would help me, but they wouldn’t work harder than I was willing to work myself.
Life is amazing now—I’ve got the support of the women I live with. It’s the sort of family feeling I never really had before. I can think of several times that they could’ve kicked me out, but they didn’t. They stuck with me, and saw something in me that I didn’t see. They gave me the chance to really clean myself up, and basically saved my life. I will always be so grateful for that.”
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