Vision for Addiction Recovery Center Gains Momentum

State Sen. Patrick Joyce has become an advocate for a live-in addiction recovery center at a 68-acre horse ranch in unincorporated Crete. His support grew from interactions with the center’s founder, Jim O’Connor, whose high energy and personal recovery story convinced Joyce of the project’s potential.

Joyce, from Essex, reported that O’Connor frequently approached him, sharing his experiences with alcohol abuse recovery and the inspiration to establish Second Story Ranch. The property, located at East Bemes Road and South Klemme Road, was selected by O’Connor to turn his vision into reality. Joyce encouraged O’Connor to engage other legislators, believing the state should support initiatives like this.

O’Connor acted swiftly, starting a capital campaign in December to fund the construction. The proposed facilities include housing for up to 30 men, a 7,000-square-foot communal lodge, and two single-family homes for leadership.

“Once other people meet you, the state should be helping with programs like this,” Joyce told O’Connor.

The advocacy paid off when Gov. JB Pritzker signed the state budget, securing $2 million for Second Story Ranch. This investment aims to begin construction this fall, with completion set in two phases.

O’Connor emphasized the importance of responsible use of the funding, which includes state support and additional grants and donations. With this funding, he intends to start building staff housing and essential infrastructure.

The $2 million grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity validates the shared vision for recovery, according to O’Connor. However, he seeks an additional $3 million within six to nine months to construct the larger lodge and participant residences. The potential funding source may be the state-distributed opioid settlement.

If successful, operations could commence by the end of 2027. Meanwhile, O’Connor focuses on immediate recovery aid, providing paid work at the ranch in collaboration with the Recovery Community of Joliet. This effort includes offering resources and temporary housing to individuals after a 28-day inpatient program.

The program aims to offer deep support to achieve self-sufficiency and will be free for Medicaid-eligible participants through partnerships statewide.

Donations to the project can be made by searching for Second Story Foundation on GoFundMe.