“It wasn’t just about getting better—it was about learning how to live again.” - Karis Alum
In 2023-2024, I had the privilege of conducting an in-depth alum study to assess whether Karis Community is achieving its central mission—healing in community. Over several months, I interviewed 23 Karis alums by phone, each of whom shared their reflections on how their time in the program shaped their recovery and personal growth.
The alums ranged in age from 29 to 71, and represented a wide spectrum of experiences with both substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Each participant responded to a series of 23 open-ended questions that explored their journey at Karis and beyond. The interviews focused on community engagement, the effectiveness of structured activities, and the overall perceived impact of their time at Karis on their ongoing healing and recovery.
As the Alumni Coordinator, I was deeply moved—and thrilled—to find that 100% of alums expressed positive sentiments about their experiences at Karis. The consistency of this feedback, across diverse ages and life stages, speaks volumes about the enduring impact of the program and the heart-centered approach that defines Karis.
When asked what aspects of Karis were most helpful in supporting their healing, alums overwhelmingly highlighted two themes: community and structure. Many described Karis as a place where they felt safe, seen, and supported—sometimes for the first time in years. The program’s structured environment offered stability and routine, which were especially crucial during the early stages of recovery. Within that structure, the genuine warmth and acceptance of the Community provided fertile ground for trust and transformation.
One of the most frequently mentioned experiences was the power of communal living and shared activities. Alums fondly recalled moments around the dinner table, conversations in the kitchen, and laughter in the backyard. These everyday interactions became catalysts for connection in healing. In the words of one participant, “Karis saved my life.” Others echoed that sentiment, explaining how the combination of accountability, compassion, and belonging helped them rebuild both confidence and hope.
One of the most frequently mentioned experiences was the power of communal living and shared activities.
Group therapy and individual check-ins also emerged as cornerstones of the program’s success. Alums described these sessions as safe spaces to share their stories, practice vulnerability, and receive honest and empathetic feedback. Group sessions provided an opportunity to witness others’ struggles and triumphs, reminding participants that they were not alone in their pain or progress. Through this process, many alums reported experiencing not just emotional healing but also significant growth in self-awareness, empathy, and communication skills.
Regular one-on-one check-ins were equally impactful. These personalized conversations allowed individuals to set goals, reflect on challenges, and celebrate milestones. The sense of accountability and ongoing encouragement fostered through these interactions was instrumental in helping participants stay engaged in their recovery journey. As one alum put it, “It wasn’t just about getting better—it was about learning how to live again.”
The interviews also revealed a deep sense of gratitude and purpose among alums, many of whom now see their time at Karis as a turning point in their lives. Several participants reported that they continue to draw on lessons learned during their stay, particularly in areas such as self-care, communication, and relationship-building. Many have gone on to pursue meaningful work, volunteerism, and creative endeavors—all while maintaining connections to the Community, and to one another.
When asked what advice they would offer to current Community Members, the message was clear: immerse yourself fully. Alums encouraged residents to engage wholeheartedly in the Empowerment Program, attend every activity possible, and view each challenge as an opportunity for growth and discovery. They emphasized the importance of forming authentic connections—both within the house and beyond—as a foundation for lasting recovery. Building a support network, they noted, is not just helpful but essential.
This collective wisdom reinforces what Karis has always believed: that true healing happens through connection, structure, and courage. The findings of this informal study underscore the transformative effects of Karis Community on individuals navigating the complex intersections of substance use and mental health. By prioritizing community living, consistent structure, life skills such as cooking and shared meals, therapeutic groups, and regular check-ins, Karis empowers individuals to reclaim their sense of agency and a sense of belonging.
The interviews also revealed a deep sense of gratitude and purpose among alums, many of whom now see their time at Karis as a turning point in their lives.
Perhaps most inspiring was the resilience and hope that radiated from every conversation. Even when describing challenges faced after leaving the program, alums repeatedly returned to the idea that the lessons of Karis—openness, accountability, and compassion—continue to guide them. They spoke of friendships that have endured for years, of ongoing recovery, and of finding ways to give back to others walking a similar path.
Personally, I found these interviews both humbling and energizing. Over my five and a half years working with Karis alums, I have witnessed extraordinary courage and transformation. Each person’s story is a testament to the quiet strength that grows from community-based healing. I am continually blown away by the kindness, perseverance, and authenticity of the people who have walked through our doors and made Karis part of their journey.
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue expanding the Alumni Program—building new ways for past Community Members to stay connected, support one another, and share their wisdom with current Community Members. The spirit of Karis is one of continual growth, and I feel profoundly grateful to be part of that unfolding story.
To every alum who took the time to share their experience for this study: thank you! Your voices affirm that healing in community is not just possible—it is happening every day at Karis Community, and it is a privilege to witness it.
Sarah Scott, Alumni Coordinator, Karis Community