FAIRFIELD, Maine — Earlier this year, we told you about a program offering a unique recovery approach.
El Rancho De La Vida, which means 'ranch of life' in Spanish, is Maine's only coed residential treatment center. It offers treatment that allows flexibility for couples to rebuild their lives together, even when one partner is not in recovery. This includes one couple on the brink of ending their marriage.
Tim and Erica Johnson love to create things together. Tim, a master carpenter, is building a coffee table featuring artistic touches from his wife and partner of over thirty years. The couple is working out of the basement of Shiller Ranch Recovery Residence, a step-down sober living home. A number of the clients come to this historic structure, which has 11 beds, after graduating from El Rancho De La Vida.
Both programs, located on the grounds of the Good-Will Hinkley Campus, are coed and accept couples committed to getting sober together, including couples where only one spouse is in recovery, like Tim and Erica.
"I see so much potential in him," Erica said with a smile.
"She shouldn't be here," Tim added.
Tim and Erica have an adult son named Kyle. They have also endured a long and challenging journey as Tim struggled with alcoholism. He did several stints in long-term rehab and detox programs, including El Rancho De La Vida, before hitting rock bottom in March of this year.
"I was going through seizures, hallucinations; if there was no way out, I was going to die soon. And I guess I wasn't quite ready for that," Tim explained in a solemn tone.
Erica, though, filed for divorce.
"It's being strong enough to say I can't do this anymore," Erica said matter-of-factly.
Tim lived with a friend for a while and ended up at Shiller Ranch. More than six months clean, he goes to required weekly meetings, attends therapy, does chores, and builds and repairs furniture to help out. Tim, a long-time musician and band member, unwinds playing his drums in the basement.
Katherine Caldwell founded both programs with Jamie Lebish. She's also the house manager.
"He offers support to the other residents. It's all about experiencing strength and hope. That's what Tim is about," Caldwell explained.
That hope is giving him and his marriage a second life. Under the program, Tim can spend every weekend with Erica at their home in Norway.
"What if I don't like sober Tim? It gives us a chance to figure that out," Erica stated.
Erica, who also visits Tim at the ranch, now works as a peer support counselor. They discuss their concerns and potential stress factors each week before Tim comes home. Learning to communicate differently gives each of them a voice.
"It's crucial. I think without that, there is nothing but failure," Tim said.
The facility has given this couple the tools and opportunities to rebuild a successful partnership and a chance to live together again, with Tim substance-free.
For information and resources for substance use disorder, dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-463-6207.