FOR THE MEDIA

News releases and items of interest for members of the media.

Jim O’Connor challenges behavioral health field to rethink the path to lasting recovery
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Jim O’Connor challenges behavioral health field to rethink the path to lasting recovery

Illinois Association for Behavioral Health Conference (September 11, 2026)

Jim O’Connor Receives IABH Honor for Advancing Recovery Beyond Treatment
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Jim O’Connor Receives IABH Honor for Advancing Recovery Beyond Treatment

Second Story Foundation founder recognized for advancing long-term recovery in Illinois as focus turns to the next phase of the 2nd Story Ranch

The Second Story Foundation Receives State Investment for 2nd Story Ranch Recovery Housing Project
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

The Second Story Foundation Receives State Investment for 2nd Story Ranch Recovery Housing Project

Funding marks a strong start toward completing the recovery housing and workforce development initiative in Crete

Jim O’Connor Establishes Record of State Alignment and Project Readiness
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Jim O’Connor Establishes Record of State Alignment and Project Readiness

The Second Story Foundation and the 2nd Story Ranch Recovery Home and Jobs Program details two years of alignment, investment, and readiness as opioid settlement capital remains undeployed

Proposed Federal Budget Cuts Behavioral Health Funding and Changes How It Is Delivered
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Proposed Federal Budget Cuts Behavioral Health Funding and Changes How It Is Delivered

Statement from Jim O’Connor, Executive Director of the Second Story Foundation

Jim O’Connor, Founder of Second Story Foundation, Is Building a New Model for Long-Term Recovery
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Jim O’Connor, Founder of Second Story Foundation, Is Building a New Model for Long-Term Recovery

Focused on the gap between treatment and long-term recovery, his model emphasizes structure, work, and continuity of care.

The Second Story Foundation Sells Final Recovery Home to Expand 2nd Story Ranch in Crete
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

The Second Story Foundation Sells Final Recovery Home to Expand 2nd Story Ranch in Crete

Nonprofit shifts from single-home model to centralized recovery and jobs campus backed by $4.5 million capital campaign

Federal Guidance Points to Recovery Housing as a Core Use for Opioid Settlement Funds
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Federal Guidance Points to Recovery Housing as a Core Use for Opioid Settlement Funds

Statement from Jim O’Connor, Executive Director of the Second Story Foundation

Abstinence-Based, “Durable Recovery” Is the Gold Standard in Behavioral Health.
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Abstinence-Based, “Durable Recovery” Is the Gold Standard in Behavioral Health.

by Jim O'Connor, CADC | February 10, 2026

When Recovery No Longer Protects Recovery
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

When Recovery No Longer Protects Recovery

by Jim O'Connor, CADC | February 5, 2026

Second Story Foundation Launches First Furrow Fund to Support Men Entering Recovery Housing After Treatment
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Second Story Foundation Launches First Furrow Fund to Support Men Entering Recovery Housing After Treatment

Initiative provides paid transitional work for men leaving treatment and entering recovery housing, with a $50,000 goal to support 20 men in 2026.

Cost-Benefit Model Shows Long-Term Recovery Housing at Ranch Could Save Illinois $113 Million
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Cost-Benefit Model Shows Long-Term Recovery Housing at Ranch Could Save Illinois $113 Million

Independent economic review finds substantial public savings tied to long-term recovery housing at the ranch project

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About The Second Story Foundation

The Second Story Foundation helps men in early recovery from severe substance use disorder rebuild their lives with stability, purpose, and community. The organization provides recovery housing, meaningful work, and comprehensive support designed to promote lasting change. Its programs combine structure, employment, and fellowship to restore dignity and independence.

The Foundation operates residential recovery homes in Chicago’s south suburbs and is developing the 68-acre 2nd Story Ranch in Crete, Illinois. The ranch will serve as a residential recovery community where participants live, work, and grow through service, equine care, and skill-based training. The lodge and residences will house up to 14 men and include space for counseling, education, and community events.

The Second Story Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men build lives of integrity, connection, and hope. Through compassion, structure, and shared purpose, the foundation supports transformation that endures.

Support recovery and second chances. Give today.

© 2026 The Second Story Foundation.

Contact

The Second Story Foundation 2400 E Bemes Rd. Crete, IL 60417

74-SADDLE-UP (747-233-5387)

info@2ndstoryfoundation.org

2ndstoryfoundation.org