The Visionary Spark, Land Acquisition & The Non-Profit

A New Hampshire entrepreneur and owner of the Common Man family of restaurants (Alex Ray), got wind of a large historic property, the Daniel Webster Homestead in Franklin NH, that was in danger of being razed for development. He was "last person standing" at auction and acquired the property in 2007 for a very favorable price, with conservation easements. 

During the purchase process he made a commitment to invest in the property so an independent & separate non profit board could be formed to provide the  hope of reaching people who had a desire to overcome alcohol and drug abuse and dependence. This would be a continued use of the property for servicing members of the community, state and beyond. The town of Franklin, NH found this to be a good use of the property.He became, and remains, landlord to the non-profit (Webster Place Recovery Center) which would spring to life here.

Next, he asked friends and other people from the recovery community if they would explore forming a non-profit  and later, in 2007, a dedicated board (consisting of retired business entrepreneurs, recovery professionals, recovery peers, and people with legal and financial backgrounds) was formed to finalize the vision and execute the plan.  Webster Place, Inc., dba Webster Place Recovery Center, was incorporated as an independent 501 (c) 3 non-profit. The non profit was afforded   long-term leasing terms for the property (so superbly rehabilitated for this use) as well as some initial personal cash flow loans (which began being paid back in the 2nd year of operation.) The center was opened to service in early 2008 and became self sustaining in less than 2 years allowing it to meet all of its expenses, afford scholarship beds, and begin repayment of the loans. It was his idea, and committment that brought us to a common table, to bring this vision to life -- to grow into an alcohol and drug addiction recovery center that makes a difference in the lives of all who come here and to do it in a self sustainable way.

The incorporators and initial board of directors (who volunteered time, money, goods and expertise) presiding at the March 2008 opening included: Paul Lavallee (Chair, serial entrepreneur), George Howard III (Treasurer, attny), Melanie Fiske (Secretary, industry consultant), Jacquie Abikoff (industry professional), Jeff Caron (industry professional), Bill Dailey (retired business owner.)

"I'm not a philanthropist. I'm trying to encourage a business model that says you can grow in recovery with a self-sustaining business..." Ray says. This is evident by the fact that the building is leased, and initial cash flows were provided as loans and not gifts. The board achieved self sustainability within 2 years of opening - a major accomplishment.

His passion for founding and developing a recovery center property for alcoholics and addicts is based on his personal experiences with addiction and the realization that affordable, accessible recovery options were diminishing in the state of New Hampshire. The board of director's commitment to affordable recovery with dignity and respect in a peer supported 12 step model helped launch what today is a thriving and growing recovery community that has touched people across many states. The TEAM's (Together Everyone Achieves More) creativity and rallying of resources along with  contagious energy sparked the dedication that built and operates a place of healing unlike any other. The countless volunteers and craftsmen who jumped in also deserve a lot of credit for their dedication, commitment, resources and help. As 2011 came to a close, over 500 residents had come to "Grow into recovery"tm at Webster Place Recovery Center. A community of support grows larger and wider spread each month as new residents transition to alumni (many returning to give back to this place which has given them so much.) Together Everyone Achieves More as peers in one committed TEAM effort. 

As 2011 developed, the then current board of directors, Chaired by Charles Clarkson, voted favorably and unanimously on a proposal from Easter Seals of New Hampshire to join them as an independant subsidiary - in order to speed growth and expansion of services and capacity.