(801) 851-5260
(801) 851-5260

Alumni in the Community

Asking for help is often one of the hardest things a person or a family can do. We are deeply honored by the trust of our clients, alumni, and their loved one’s place in us, allowing us to walk alongside them as they co-create their new lives. 

Our alumni community, now over 1,000 strong, is something we never could have imagined. It reflects not only the sense of family we’ve built, but also the effectiveness of our program. The success of our program lies in the fact that our clients are committed to their own growth and goals. They are not just “checking boxes” or “doing their time.” 

Balance House alumni remain an integral part of our community. They mentor and sponsor current clients, participate in sober sports leagues, attend social and alumni events, and even return to work with us. We know we’ve succeeded when a graduate of the program calls to check in, stops by for a meal, seeks advice, or simply hangs out. That ongoing connection is what truly defines our impact. 

One of our alumni founded Fit To Recover, a local non-profit sober gym, kitchen, and creative arts studio open to the community. You can learn more at fit2recover.org. Our current residents attend FTR classes weekly, and we are proud to support and sponsor this incredible resource. With several locations across Utah, Fit To Recover serves hundreds of people each week through fitness, cooking, and art programs.

Good Time Golf, a sober golf league and community, was founded by a Balance House alumni. You can learn more at goodtimegolf.org. Several of our alumni, along with one of our partners, Tony Padjen, currently serve on the board of this non-profit. We make sure that any of our clients interested in golf have the opportunity to participate in Good Time Golf each week. This organization has become an invaluable resource to the sober community here in Salt Lake. 

About Salt Lake City

Ninety-nine percent of our clients come from out of state, and of those, about 85% choose to stay in Salt Lake City after completing our program. Why? Salt Lake City offers a unique combination of access to nature and the amenities of a big city. Nestled below 12,000-foot mountains, the city is surrounded by ski resorts, hiking and biking trails, climbing routes, rivers, and more. All Balance House properties are located just 30-45 minutes from seven ski resorts and easy access to the mountains.

Beyond its natural beauty, Salt Lake City provides a thriving job market and a quality of life that clients find hard to outgrow. Utah’s low unemployment rate of 2.8% and robust economy make it an attractive place to settle. In fact, the Washington Journal ranked Salt Lake City as the nation’s top job market in 2024, and for 17 consecutive years, Utah has been recognized by the American Legislative Exchange Council as the state with the best economic outlook. 

The Balance House locations are just 15-20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake, a metropolitan area of over 1.2 million residents, offering plenty of places to go and things to do. The city also provides excellent educational opportunities through institutions like Salt Lake Community College, the University of Utah, Westminster College, and various technical and vocational programs, making it an ideal place for those looking to continue or start their education.  

Salt Lake City boasts a thriving recovery community, with over 400 recovery meetings held each week. The city is home to one of the largest sober softball leagues in the country, with over 600 participants. Balance House proudly sponsors three teams: an alumni team and two teams with current residents. In addition, Fit To Recover provides a community center featuring a gym, creative arts studio, and kitchen specifically designed for those in recovery. Good Time Golf  is a sober golf league, and Once Pickled is a sober pickleball league. While we continue to support these recovery-focused activities, we’re also mindful of creating an inclusive environment that resonates with new clients, whether they identify with sobriety or a broader recovery journey.

Salt Lake City hosts numerous recovery-related events every month, including campouts, conferences, and more. For those interested in non-12-step programs, Refuge Recovery and SMART Recovery meetings are available, alongside many other opportunities to engage in recovery programs throughout the Salt Lake Valley. 

With its unique combination of serene landscapes, high-quality healthcare, and a supportive community, Salt Lake City offers an ideal environment for anyone looking to build a healthier, more fulfilling life. We help our clients find a recovery community that they can connect with and be inspired by. Utah offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, making it an ideal location for those seeking unique experiences during their recovery journey. With 14 resorts operating year-round, there’s no shortage of activities, including camping, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, summer concerts, and art festivals. 

Just a few hours south of Salt Lake City are the iconic “Mighty 5” National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Moab, located nearby, is famous for its slickrock biking and Jeep safaris. Utah’s vast landscape is filled with designated parks, campgrounds, and recreation areas, offering a variety of outdoor experiences. The Sundance Film Festival, held annually in Park City, adds a cultural dimension to the state’s offerings, and Salt Lake City has been chosen to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. Additionally, Utah recently welcomed a new NHL team in 2024, joining the Utah Jazz NBA team and the Salt Lake Bees MiLB team as local sports staples.

Our robust outdoor program, The Out|Side , provides clients with the chance to explore Utah through activities such as camping, skiing, snowboarding, backpacking, climbing, rafting, fishing, and more.