Jim O’Connor Establishes Record of State Alignment and Project Readiness

Jim O’Connor Establishes Record of State Alignment and Project Readiness

The Second Story Foundation and the 2nd Story Ranch Recovery Home and Jobs Program details two years of alignment, investment, and readiness as opioid settlement capital remains undeployed

Latest stories

Proposed Federal Budget Cuts Behavioral Health Funding and Changes How It Is Delivered

Proposed Federal Budget Cuts Behavioral Health Funding and Changes How It Is Delivered

Statement from Jim O’Connor, Executive Director of the Second Story Foundation

WBBM-AM Newsradio 780 Devotes Full 30-Minute Program to Second Story Foundation

WBBM-AM Newsradio 780 Devotes Full 30-Minute Program to Second Story Foundation

Rob Hart | WBBM-AM "At Issue" (April 12,2026)

Second Story Ranch Featured on FOX 32’s "Chicago Report" with Focus on Crete Expansion

Second Story Ranch Featured on FOX 32’s "Chicago Report" with Focus on Crete Expansion

Tia Ewing | WFLD-TV "Chicago Report" (April 9,2026)

Jim O’Connor, Founder of Second Story Foundation, Is Building a New Model for Long-Term Recovery

Jim O’Connor, Founder of Second Story Foundation, Is Building a New Model for Long-Term Recovery

Focused on the gap between treatment and long-term recovery, his model emphasizes structure, work, and continuity of care.

The Second Story Foundation Sells Final Recovery Home to Expand 2nd Story Ranch in Crete

The Second Story Foundation Sells Final Recovery Home to Expand 2nd Story Ranch in Crete

Nonprofit shifts from single-home model to centralized recovery and jobs campus backed by $4.5 million capital campaign

Federal Guidance Points to Recovery Housing as a Core Use for Opioid Settlement Funds

Federal Guidance Points to Recovery Housing as a Core Use for Opioid Settlement Funds

Statement from Jim O’Connor, Executive Director of the Second Story Foundation

Second Story Foundation and Will County partners show how funding and support create lasting stability

Second Story Foundation and Will County partners show how funding and support create lasting stability

Will County Community Mental Health Podcast | March 2, 2026

Abstinence-Based, “Durable Recovery” Is the Gold Standard in Behavioral  Health.

Abstinence-Based, “Durable Recovery” Is the Gold Standard in Behavioral Health.

by Jim O'Connor, CADC | February 10, 2026

When Recovery No Longer Protects Recovery

When Recovery No Longer Protects Recovery

by Jim O'Connor, CADC | February 5, 2026

Second Story Foundation Launches First Furrow Fund to Support Men Entering Recovery Housing After Treatment

Second Story Foundation Launches First Furrow Fund to Support Men Entering Recovery Housing After Treatment

Initiative provides paid transitional work for men leaving treatment and entering recovery housing, with a $50,000 goal to support 20 men in 2026.

Mucking Out Our Stalls From Rock Bottom to Responsibility

Mucking Out Our Stalls From Rock Bottom to Responsibility

Mike and Bill | Sober Not Mature podcast (January 17, 2026)

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About The Second Story Foundation

The Second Story Foundation helps men in early recovery from severe substance use disorder rebuild their lives with stability, purpose, and community. The organization provides recovery housing, meaningful work, and comprehensive support designed to promote lasting change. Its programs combine structure, employment, and fellowship to restore dignity and independence.

The Foundation operates residential recovery homes in Chicago’s south suburbs and is developing the 68-acre 2nd Story Ranch in Crete, Illinois. The ranch will serve as a residential recovery community where participants live, work, and grow through service, equine care, and skill-based training. The lodge and residences will house up to 14 men and include space for counseling, education, and community events.

The Second Story Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men build lives of integrity, connection, and hope. Through compassion, structure, and shared purpose, the foundation supports transformation that endures.

Support recovery and second chances. Give today.

© 2026 The Second Story Foundation.

Contact

The Second Story Foundation 2400 E Bemes Rd. Crete, IL 60417

info@2ndStoryFoundation.org

2ndstoryfoundation.org