WHITNEY HOUSE 

Whitney House Vision

Whitney House, founded by Libby Szarka, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing unwavering support for individuals navigating the complex journey of addiction treatment and recovery. Drawing from personal experience and the strength of her youngest daughter, Whitney, who never gave up on her, Libby has recognized the gaps in the addiction treatment system and aims to fill them with her vision for Whitney House.

Our vision is rooted in the understanding that the most vulnerable period of an individual's recovery journey is often the time between detox and treatment. With a staggering four-month waiting list for addiction treatment services, Whitney House is committed to bridging the gap by providing a safe and supportive environment in Sylvan Lake that encompasses detox, pre-treatment, and treatment services.

At Whitney House, we believe that a strong support system is vital to lasting recovery. We strive to create a comprehensive pre-treatment program that includes a daily routine and schedule, along with a post-treatment plan that addresses housing and employment needs. Our approach ensures that those in recovery can transition seamlessly from treatment to a safe and sober living environment.

Recognizing the potential for relapse during times of personal success, Whitney House focuses on empowering individuals to break through their upper limits. Our support extends to those in the early stages of recovery as well as post-treatment, creating a network of Whitney House alumni who can return to offer support and encouragement to others on their journey.

Our wholistic approach to recovery emphasizes the importance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We incorporate nutrition, medical care, supplements, group cooking, and learning activities into our program, as well as opportunities for daily volunteering and giving back to the community. We believe that those who are serious about recovery have a strong desire to help others, and we foster an environment that nurtures this sense of purpose.

At Whitney House, our Board of Directors ensures that our mission and vision remain at the forefront of all we do. As we grow, we seek to employ passionate individuals who share our commitment to recovery support. Our ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable organization that will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of those struggling with addiction for years to come.

Join us in our mission to create a world where addiction recovery is supported, celebrated, and accessible to all who seek it. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless individuals and build a brighter future for our communities.

Whitney House Story

The story of Whitney House is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the unwavering belief in the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. Founded in 2023, Whitney House was born from Libby Szarka's personal journey through addiction and recovery.

Libby's path to recovery was fraught with challenges, as she lost contact with her family and children during her battle with addiction. Homeless and struggling to achieve sobriety, Libby had to relearn the basic skills of daily life, such as speaking, reading, and driving. It was during this time of rediscovery that she found calling cards while living and volunteering at the homeless shelter and began reaching out to her children.

Whitney, Libby's youngest daughter, played a crucial role in her mother's recovery. Their heartfelt conversations and visits provided the encouragement and support that Libby needed to persevere. Recognizing that not everyone has a "Whitney" in their lives, Libby founded Whitney House to provide the essential support and encouragement that can make all the difference in the recovery journey.

Whitney House is just the beginning. Our vision expands beyond the initial stages of recovery, as we've created Stephanie House, a post-treatment sober living facility, and Courtney House, an independent living community, to ensure a seamless transition through each phase of recovery. These stepping stones provide the necessary support, structure, and guidance for individuals to reclaim their lives and build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.

The Whitney House story is one of hope, transformation, and a deep commitment to supporting those in recovery. We stand as a shining example of what is possible when love, determination, and a genuine desire to help others come together. Through Whitney House, Stephanie House, and Courtney House, we are dedicated to empowering individuals on their recovery journey and creating a brighter future for our communities.

Our Philosophy

At Whitney House, our philosophy is built upon the core principles of early support and post-treatment planning, recognizing that the path to recovery is a deeply personal journey. We understand that the waiting period for treatment can be extensive, often stretching to four months, and we firmly believe that individuals need at least two months of preparation before entering treatment.

Our approach focuses on meeting people where they are and providing a supportive environment in which they can rest, heal, and build strength before beginning treatment. We acknowledge that it takes time for the fog of addiction to clear, allowing individuals to truly absorb and internalize the lessons learned during recovery.

Key Pillars of Our Philosophy:

1. Humility

2. Gratitude and appreciation, fostering a mindset of abundance rather than lack

3. Self-worth, ensuring individuals feel valued and needed

4. Creativity and pride in daily work, including art showcases and sales

5. Human connection and fostering a strong support network

6. Providing a safe place for healing and growth

7. Prayer and spiritual growth

8. Accountability and structure to guide the recovery journey

9. Back-up planning and safety planning for long-term success

10. Integrating treatment tools into pre-treatment programs

11. Garnering community support and collaboration

12. Learning, education, and life skills development through art, life skills, and giving back programs

We believe in the power of the Whitney House Alumni Network, creating a community that individuals can return to for support and encouragement. Our commitment extends beyond the walls of Whitney House, providing assistance throughout treatment and up to a year after. We prioritize maintaining constant contact and support to ensure a seamless transition from treatment to supportive housing, eliminating the gaps where individuals may falter.

Our philosophy aims to prevent institutionalization by providing resources and opportunities that empower individuals to make healthy, informed decisions as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Through our unwavering dedication to early support and post-treatment planning, we are committed to helping individuals navigate the complex journey of addiction recovery and build a brighter, healthier future.

About Our Founder: Libby Szarka

Libby Szarka, the founder of Whitney House, is a passionate and dedicated professional with over a decade of experience working in the addiction and mental health field. As a Certified Addiction Counsellor, ho'opono pono practitioner, Louise Hay, Heal Your Life Coach, and an  Empowered Strategist, Libby is well-equipped to support and guide individuals on their recovery journey.

Libby's first-hand knowledge of addiction recovery, combined with her 15+ years of sobriety, lends credibility and authenticity to her work. She has a deep understanding and respect for Indigenous Culture and Ceremony, with over 10 years of experience working in an Indigenous based Treatment Center.

Her expertise in harm reduction and 12-step programs enables her to empower individuals and provide essential support, education, and training for support workers in addiction treatment and recovery facilities. Libby's teachings encompass vital topics such as Self-Care, Preventing Burnout, Healthy Boundaries, Team Success Skills, Documentation, Supporting Clients, and addressing the root causes of addiction.

In 2023, Libby founded the nonprofit organization Whitney House with a mission to bridge the gap for those preparing for treatment and to provide door-to-door support for people transitioning from detox to treatment. Through her unwavering dedication and commitment to the cause, Libby continues to positively impact countless lives on their journey to recovery.