Ready Drive Residence

The Ready Drive program encourages each individual to meet attainable and meaningful goals that will help them to improve the quality and effectiveness of everyday living through its "dual recovery" focus.

Consumers, who are referred to the program by the Department of Mental Health, are supported in their recovery from both mental illness and substance or alcohol abuse.

Residents attend regular self-help groups, therapy and psychiatric appointments. "Dual recovery" programming is conducted on site and is integral to the Ready Drive experience.

Consumers are connected with outside supports, potential sponsors, taken to local "dual recovery" meetings, as well as "AA" meetings, in the Winchendon and Gardner areas.

Consumers are also introduced to various day activities including clubhouses which can help them maintain a structured schedule thus decreasing the potential for them to isolate  or become less involved in their recovery.

Some consumers attend the Crystal House clubhouse in Gardner. Crystal House provides transportation, at no cost, to and from the clubhouse.

The Ready Drive residential program also introduces consumers to other outside agencies that will assist them with maintaining good health and dental care.

Staff also teaches residents how to utilize public transportation, such as to attend appointments. This will allow the consumers to learn how to become more independent with all areas of daily living and the benefits of healthy choices, verses relying solely on staff or others.

Services Offered

Ready Drive offers daily and nightly groups related to supporting recovery and mental illness issues. These groups are facilitated by CHD staff and may include guest speakers such as those who are currently active in recovery, service providers such as mental health therapists, sponsors of individuals living in the program or a dual diagnosis specialist.

Consumers are offered skill building training in areas related to increasing independence in all areas of daily living. Staff at the Ready Drive program will also assist individuals in becoming independent with medication (self-administration).

In conjunction and with the permission of the consulting psychiatrist, residents begin learning more about their medications including their treatment purpose.

Directions to Ready Drive

The Ready Drive program is located near the boarder of New Hampshire. From the West: Take Route 2 East to Route 202 North. At the junction of Route 12, follow South and take the first left onto Lincoln Avenue. Once on Lincoln Avenue bear to the right, take the 2nd left, followed by first right onto Ready Drive (4th building on left pictured above). From the East: Take Route 2 West to Route 140 North. Take Route 12 North in Winchendon, at the junction of Route 140 and Route 12 North. Follow Route 12 North past Cumberland Farms (on the right). Take 2nd right onto Lincoln Avenue. Once on Lincoln Avenue bear to the right, take the 2nd left, followed by first right onto Ready Drive (4th building on left, pictured above).