Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Program

What is New Beginnings Hickory?

New Beginnings Hickory is a long-term residential recovery program where men rebuild their lives with hope, responsibility, and independence. We provide structured sober living combined with community-centered support, helping men transition from short-term treatment programs to successful independent living.

How is New Beginnings different from other recovery programs?

Our approach combines several unique elements:

Immediate sponsor connection through our "First Things First" program within 5 days of arrival
True community integration with over 7,000 annual visits for AA, Al-Anon, and Al-A-Fam meetings in our building
Structured progression from our entry program to three-quarter house as residents demonstrate readiness
Advanced programming through our signature Fit for Service life skills classes
Long-term commitment with residents often staying 9 months to 2+ years for lasting transformation

Who is the program designed for?

Our program serves men who have typically completed 30, 60, or 90-day treatment programs and are ready for transformation. These are men who understand they need more time and structure to practice recovery in real-world conditions while working full-time jobs and rebuilding their lives.

Program Structure & Requirements

What are the two residential programs?

Entry Level Program:

Our foundational program with essential structure, 10PM curfew, five required 12-step meetings per week, shared living arrangements, and full-time first-shift employment. Residents live on side one of our facility with capacity for 14 men.

Three-Quarter House Program:

Our advanced program offering increased independence with midnight curfew, choice of any four 12-step meetings per week, weekend leave privileges, and private key access. This program prepares residents for community reintegration.

What is Fit for Service?

Fit for Service is our signature advanced programming - a six-month rotation of one-month intensive life skills classes including anger management, emotional sobriety, financial literacy, and servant leadership. It's available to residents in both programs after 60 days, with special benefits like private rooms for entry-level participants and reduced program fees.

How long do men typically stay in the program?

Residents often remain 9 months to 2+ years, depending on their individual needs and progress. Recovery takes time, and we believe in providing the structure and support needed for lasting transformation.

What are the basic requirements?

Maintain full-time, first-shift employment (ending by 5 PM for programming)
Secure and work with a 12-step sponsor within 5 days
Attend required number of 12-step meetings (5 per week entry level, 4 per week three-quarter house)
Participate in weekly house meetings
Complete daily chores and responsibilities
Maintain sobriety (regular drug and alcohol testing)
Follow curfew and house rules

Please review our Client Application Form that must be completed by each of our residents to understand all residency requirements.

Costs & Application

What does the program cost?

For our Entry-Level program, there is an initial fee of $400, with a program fee of $200 per week.
Three-quarter house residents pay $850 per month (Fit for Service participants pay a discounted rate of $800 per month).

All fees are non-refundable.

How do I apply?

You can fill out our application form on our website. We'll review your application for fit and suitability for our program.

Do you provide transportation?

Yes, we provide transportation for work, medical appointments, legal obligations, and recovery meetings for the first six months in residence. Due to limited staff or weather conditions, transportation isn't always available. Residents are expected to begin work on obtaining their driver license or gaining transportation independence over the course of the first six months of residence.

Daily Life & Community

What is daily life like?

Residents work full-time jobs during the day and return to structured programming in the evenings. This includes house meetings, chores, sponsor work, and attending 12-step meetings. We provide wholesome meals and a supportive community environment where residents care for each other.

Can family and friends visit?

Visitation is allowed on weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in common areas only (dining hall, TV room, meeting room). Children must be supervised at all times. No visitors are allowed in sleeping quarters.

What about the community meetings?

Our building hosts approximately 10-11 AA, Al-Anon, and Al-A-Fam meetings throughout the week. These meetings create a vibrant recovery community where residents meet people with years of sobriety, build natural support networks, and often take leadership roles in running the meetings.

Can residents have cars?

New residents cannot drive personal vehicles for the first 30 days. After that, they must provide a current valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and have the vehicle registered in North Carolina.

Are overnight passes allowed?

There are no overnight passes for the first 30 days. After that period, residents must submit pass requests two days in advance and be current on all program fees. Upon return, residents report for drug screening.

After New Beginnings

What happens when men complete the program?

Our alumni often maintain ongoing connections with New Beginnings and the recovery community. Many return to complete our Fit for Service programming even after moving to independent living. Some graduates have joined our staff, creating mentorship opportunities for current residents.

How do you measure success?

We track various outcomes including length of sobriety, employment stability, family relationship restoration, and continued engagement with the recovery community. Our most meaningful measure is seeing residents transform from feeling like failures to knowing they can handle whatever life brings them.

Do you have plans to expand?

We currently have capacity for 17-18 men and maintain a waiting list. Our board envisions expanding to serve women in the future, recognizing the same need for long-term residential recovery support for both men, women and women with children.

For Families and Referrers

How can healthcare providers refer men to join the program?

Healthcare providers, treatment programs, probation officers, and other professionals can contact us directly to discuss referrals. We work closely with the referral community and maintain strong partnerships with local recovery organizations.

What should families expect?

Families should expect a program focused on long-term transformation rather than quick fixes. We maintain high standards of professionalism while preserving a caring, family-like atmosphere. Regular communication and family involvement in the recovery process are encouraged when appropriate.

How can the community get involved?

Community members can volunteer by providing meals, helping with property maintenance, leading life skills classes, or supporting our meetings. We also have an Amazon wishlist for needed items and welcome financial contributions to support our mission.

Still have questions? Contact us directly - we're happy to discuss whether New Beginnings might be the right fit and provide more detailed information about our program.

Ready to take the next step? Fill out our application to start your residency conversation.