Colorado Springs sober living facility preparing for upcoming federal prisoners’ release

Courage to Change is a nonprofit organization in Colorado Springs that helps recovering alcoholics and drug users.

Many of the people who go through the treatment or live at the facility are former inmates who have completed their prison sentences, or anyone who is struggling and looking for help.

“When they first come in, they’re pretty much broken down,” said Joey Molina, resident manager with Courage to Change.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons recently announced it will soon be releasing 6,000 drug offenders across the United States. Forty-Two of the inmates will be from Colorado.

A majority of the inmates will be transferred to halfway houses and sober living facilities. Molina say’s he’s ready to help out if needed, when the release happens.

“The most important thing is to have a safe, sober place to live. So they get that opportunity to come here and live and not have to worry about any drug activity going on,” said Molina.

His facility houses 15 men, all struggling with different issues. After struggling with addiction for years, Molina knows how important it is for these offenders to not be back out on the streets and fall into their past habits.

“I struggled 30 years of being a drug addict and a alcoholic. Thankfully, I hit my rock bottom like everyone else does and got help,” said Molina.

Molina works with people from all criminal backgrounds and says he hopes his program can help others.

“Every person I see walk through the door is always a constant reminder of where I’ve been and how quickly and easily I could be back there again,” said Molina.

The first wave of inmates will be released Oct. 30, followed by a second wave Nov. 2.

Courage to Change has both men and women facilities in Colorado Springs and Monument. For more information on the nonprofit organization click here.