Empower Next Steps

A scholarship for a safe place to start over

The Empower Next Steps Program provides scholarships for safe, supportive sober living to individuals transitioning out of treatment — helping people establish stability so they can focus on recovery, build healthy routines, and take the next steps toward a brighter, self-sufficient future.

How it works

The application process

Six clear steps from application to scholarship. We welcome applicants of every background.

Eligibility Review

Candidates must be in or recently discharged from treatment, committed to recovery, able to demonstrate financial need, willing to follow sober-living rules, and willing to meet with a counselor and case manager at least once every two weeks while receiving support.

Application Submission

Submit personal information, treatment documentation, a recovery statement, and financial details.

Initial Review

Our staff verifies eligibility. Incomplete applications are returned so they can be completed and resubmitted.

Interview

Applicants discuss their recovery journey and readiness with our staff and review committee.

Award Determination

The committee decides based on commitment, need, and available resources.

Scholarship Coverage

The first month is covered, with a potential second month available upon proof of employment, demonstrated continued need, and ongoing check-ins with your counselor and case manager.

While you're receiving support

Every two weeks, someone is in your corner

Scholarship recipients meet with a counselor and a case manager at least once every two weeks. These check-ins are a condition of continued support — and they exist to help you, not to police you.

Track your progress

A short, honest conversation about how the last two weeks went and what you need next.

Help finding work

Practical help with job searching, applications, interviews, and employers who hire people in recovery.

Counseling you can afford

We help you find local counseling covered by your current insurance, Medicaid, sliding-scale fees, or other assistance — so care doesn't stop when the scholarship does.

If work hours, transportation, or provider availability make a scheduled meeting impossible, tell us — we'll work with you to reschedule rather than end your support.

Why it matters

Stability makes recovery possible

By covering housing expenses during the most fragile stage of recovery, the Empower Next Steps Program lets people concentrate on what matters most — staying well, finding work, and rebuilding their lives. So far in 2026, we've helped 8 individuals find and pay for housing.

Scholarships are funded entirely by donations — and every donation is tax deductible.

Fund a scholarship
Take the next step

Start your application

Complete the short eligibility review below. It only takes a few minutes. Our team reviews every application confidentially and will follow up by email or phone — you'll also see a confirmation as soon as you submit. We welcome applicants of every background.

💚 Thank you — your application has been received. Our team will review it and reach out by email or phone. If you need to speak with someone now, call 248.912.8523.

Questions? Call 248.912.8523 or email info@empowernextproject.org. EIN 39-3580172 · Scholarships funded entirely by tax-deductible donations.