FOR THE MEDIA

News releases and items of interest for members of the media.

Jim O’Connor Establishes Record of State Alignment and Project Readiness
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

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

Proposed Federal Budget Cuts Behavioral Health Funding and Changes How It Is Delivered
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

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

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

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
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

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
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

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

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

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
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

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
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

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.

Cost-Benefit Model Shows Long-Term Recovery Housing at Ranch Could Save Illinois $113 Million
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Cost-Benefit Model Shows Long-Term Recovery Housing at Ranch Could Save Illinois $113 Million

Independent economic review finds substantial public savings tied to long-term recovery housing at the ranch project

SUPPORT Act Reauthorization Expands Recovery and Workforce Programs in Illinois
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

SUPPORT Act Reauthorization Expands Recovery and Workforce Programs in Illinois

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

Second Story Foundation Launches Public Phase of Capital Campaign to Build the 2nd Story Ranch Lodge and Residences 
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Second Story Foundation Launches Public Phase of Capital Campaign to Build the 2nd Story Ranch Lodge and Residences 

Campaign supports construction of a 7,000-square-foot lodge and recovery residence on a 68-acre ranch in south suburban Crete

Jim O’Connor Calls for Immediate Action to Deploy Opioid Settlement Capital
FOR THE MEDIA, FOR ADVOCATES

Jim O’Connor Calls for Immediate Action to Deploy Opioid Settlement Capital

Second Story Foundation leader urges state officials to fix stalled capital funding and strengthen long-term recovery infrastructure

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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