Lexington, Kentucky · Since 1989
Shepherd's House is a long-term recovery community for men and women working through drug and alcohol addiction — built on caring, sharing, and the belief that people heal in fellowship, not isolation.
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Our Story
Since welcoming our first resident in 1989, Shepherd's House has been a place where men and women rebuild their lives through structured recovery, accountability, and real human connection.
Recovery here isn't a clinical process — it's a way of life. Residents move through a long-term program built around twelve-step fellowship, peer support, employment, and the rhythms of sober community.
Our History
Born from a community vision at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Shepherd's House has grown from a single Lexington home into a statewide network of housing, treatment, and correctional programs.
1984–1985
Origins
Fred Hood, a parishioner at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, envisioned a world-class recovery housing program after his son needed long-term care that did not exist in Central Kentucky. In September 1985 the vestry approved the project, with the church pledging 10% of initial capital costs.
1989
Recovery Housing
Nearly four years after the vision began, Shepherd's House welcomed its first resident in July 1989. The Bonnie Brae program offered orientation and phases 1 & 2 recovery housing for 14 male residents — the foundation of everything that followed.
2000
Campus Expansion
The Lyndhurst recovery housing program opened in 2000, extending structured long-term programming for 14 male residents across two integrated recovery programs.
2015
New Location
The Fontaine recovery housing program expanded capacity in 2015, offering comprehensive long-term programming for 10 male residents across three integrated programs.
2016–2017
Correctional Programs
Shepherd's House launched substance abuse programming inside Boyle County Detention Center in 2016, followed in 2017 by the Boyle County Community Impact Treatment Program serving men and women in the community.
2019
Partnership
A partnership with The Ridge expanded long-term male recovery housing through the Waller program, extending Shepherd's House reach beyond its Lexington campuses.
2020–2022
Statewide Expansion
Grant County Detention Center SAP launched in 2020. In 2021, the Jessamine County Recovery Community Center opened alongside female recovery housing in Danville. Shelby County Detention Center SAP followed in 2022.
2025
Clinical Expansion
Shepherd's House opened inpatient treatment levels 3.5 & 3.1 (30-day male) in Lexington, alongside an intensive outpatient program with housing for women — the most comprehensive clinical offering in our history.
March 2026
Campus Hub
Shepherd's House opened the Leestown Recovery Campus in March 2026 — a central hub uniting the Waller, Lyndhurst, Maxwelton, and Fontaine recovery housing programs under one roof, coordinating care, staffing, and community across every Lexington program.
Programs
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30 – 60 days
Inpatient
The Shepherd's House Residential Program is a 30–60 day residential substance use treatment program designed to help individuals build a strong foundation for lasting recovery and successful reintegration into the community. Through a combination of clinical services, medical care, peer support, recovery-focused psychoeducation groups, and individual therapy, clients develop the tools needed to maintain sobriety and improve overall well-being.
Our team of therapists, medical providers, and peer support specialists works closely with each client to build healthy coping skills, establish supportive sober relationships, address underlying challenges contributing to substance use, and create comprehensive relapse prevention plans. By focusing on personal growth, accountability, and recovery capital, we help our clients develop the confidence and skills necessary to achieve long-term recovery and a healthier future.
Start admissions
6 months
Community Impact
Intensive day or evening treatment for adults with counseling, life skills, and aftercare planning.
Learn more
6 months
SAP Programs
Therapeutic recovery programs inside Kentucky correctional facilities preparing participants for sober re-entry.
Contact us
12 – 18 mo
Long-Term Program
A structured long-term outpatient program for men 18+ (12–18 months), built on responsibility, accountability, and sustained abstinence. This program incorporates 12-step principles, strong peer engagement, and clinical support to promote lasting recovery.
Emphasis is placed on real-life reintegration, including employment, community involvement, and development of stability across all areas of life.
Start admissions
12 – 18 mo
Recovery Housing
Therapy, peer support, employment, and step-work over a 12 to 18 month housing path for men and women.
Apply nowCommunity
Our annual 5K run and 1-mile walk brings together graduates, families, and friends. Pet friendly — bring your four-legged running partner.
Learn about the run
From mentorship to event support, volunteers help residents experience accountability and connection beyond the walls of the program.
Become a volunteer
Every contribution helps fund treatment, housing, and aftercare for the men and women working through long-term recovery.
Support our workYouTube
Featured
Watch real testimonies, conversations, and snapshots of recovery lived out in real life on our YouTube channel.
Watch all stories
Accreditations
Shepherd's House meets rigorous state and national standards for substance use treatment, recovery housing, and community programming across Kentucky.
View all accreditations
Best of Kentucky 2026
COA Accredited through 2027
KY Licensed AOD Entity
KYARR Recovery Housing Certified
Testimonials
Thanks to Shepherd's House I'm finally sober. They taught me how to live a sober life and introduced me to a great community who walked along with me in my journey.
The Shepherd's helped me transform my life, along with so many others. Grateful to be a part of this organization.
Shepherd's House is a safe place to stay sober. The structure, accountability, and fellowship here gave me the foundation I needed to rebuild my life one day at a time.
Admissions
Take the first step toward recovery. Share a little about yourself and our team will reach out with next steps.
