Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Bachrach
Hi Joey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey to becoming the Co-Founder of Rainbow Hill Sober Living and Rainbow Hill Recovery, and the Founder of Big Little Bows, is deeply rooted in my personal battle with alcoholism. I began struggling with addiction at 17 and remained in active addiction until 2016. I achieved over a year of sobriety before relapsing but remained committed to my recovery, openly sharing my struggles and successes. I’ve been sober since November 22, 2017.
In 2021, my husband Andrew Fox and I launched Rainbow Hill Sober Living, which has since become a vital support system for the LGBTQ+ community on their path to recovery. Building on this success, we opened Rainbow Hill Recovery in the summer of 2023, offering specialized treatment for substance use disorder and mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community.
Most recently, I founded the 501c3 nonprofit Big Little Bows, inspired by my own experiences. This organization aims to provide mentorship and support to teens facing similar challenges, particularly those who are LGBTQ and struggling with addiction. My dedication to sobriety and helping others has been a driving force behind these endeavors, and I proudly wear my sobriety on my sleeve, using my story to inspire and support others on their recovery journeys.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
From the age of 17, I battled alcoholism, which gripped me for nearly a decade. The cycle of addiction was incredibly challenging, with moments of hope overshadowed by relapses. My initial sobriety in 2016 was a significant milestone, but maintaining it proved difficult, and I relapsed after just over a year. Each relapse brought feelings of guilt, shame, and frustration, making the path to lasting recovery seem daunting.
Throughout my initial recovery, I faced the stigma associated with addiction, particularly within my old inner circle of friends. Until finding true friends and my now husband Andrew, finding acceptance and support was not always easy, and there were times when I felt isolated and misunderstood.
Opening Rainbow Hill Sober Living and Rainbow Hill Recovery with my husband, Andrew Fox, was a dream come true, but it came with its own set of challenges. Establishing these required overcoming financial hurdles, regulatory obstacles, and the skepticism of those who doubted the need for LGBTQ+ specific recovery centers. There were countless sleepless nights and moments of doubt as we worked to create safe spaces for our community.
Launching Big Little Bows was also a deeply personal endeavor. Reflecting on my own experiences as a teenager struggling with alcoholism and searching for role models, I was determined to provide the mentorship I lacked. Balancing this passion project with the demands of running two recovery businesses required immense dedication and resilience.
Despite these struggles, my commitment to sobriety and our mission to help others has remained unwavering. I proudly wear my sobriety on my sleeve, using my story to inspire and support others on their recovery journeys. These challenges have only strengthened my resolve to create lasting change and provide hope for those facing similar battles.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Rainbow Hill Recovery is an LGBTQ+ specific treatment center dedicated to addressing substance use disorders and mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community. Since its inception in the summer of 2023, Rainbow Hill Recovery has become a sanctuary where individuals can find specialized care tailored to their unique needs.
The importance of Rainbow Hill Recovery for the LGBTQ+ community cannot be overstated. Members of this community often face unique challenges, including higher rates of substance use, mental health issues, and discrimination. Traditional treatment centers may not fully understand or address these specific issues, leading to less effective care. Rainbow Hill Recovery provides a safe, affirming environment where individuals can receive culturally competent care that acknowledges and respects their identities and experiences.
What separates Rainbow Hill Recovery from other treatment providers is our unwavering commitment to being LGBTQ+ specific, culturally competent, affirming, and affordable. Our staff is trained to understand the unique struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that every aspect of our care is inclusive and supportive. We strive to create an environment where clients feel understood, valued, and empowered to overcome their challenges.
Our mission has never changed: we will always provide LGBTQ+-specific care that is culturally competent, affirming, and affordable. This steadfast dedication ensures that we remain a beacon of hope and a vital resource for the LGBTQ+ community on their path to recovery. At Rainbow Hill Recovery, we are not just a treatment center; we are a community committed to healing, growth, and acceptance.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Starting your own business is an exciting and challenging journey. My advice is to stay committed and resilient. You’ll face obstacles, but each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Surround yourself with supportive people, stay true to your mission, and remember that perseverance is key. It may sound cheesy, but don’t stop dreaming. Dreams do come true with hard work and dedication. Keep pushing forward, and believe in your vision.
Pricing:
- $6,600-$8,800/m Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
- $4,500-$6,500/m Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
- $1,750/m Outpatient (OP)
- $1,500-$3,000/m Sober Living
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rainbowhillrecovery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowhillrecovery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowhillrecovery
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RainbowHillRecovery
Image Credits
Morris Wentworth
