SUPPORT Act Reauthorization Expands Recovery and Workforce Programs in Illinois
Statement from Jim O’Connor, Executive Director of the Second Story Foundation
On December 1, 2025, President Trump signed the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act into law, restoring programs that expired in 2023 and updating the CAREER Act provisions tied to workforce support for people in recovery. Jim O’Connor, executive director of the Second Story Foundation, is offering perspective on how these changes affect long-term recovery, housing, and employment programs in Illinois.
"The CAREER Act strengthens the connection between treatment, housing, and employment, which is essential for long-term success."
– Jim O’Connor, Executive Director, Second Story Foundation
The reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act and the strengthening of the CAREER Act give communities like ours the clarity and stability needed to help men rebuild their lives in recovery. The updated CAREER Act supports the connection between treatment, housing, and employment, which is essential for long-term success. The law expands opportunities for workforce training, transportation, and recovery supports, and these are critical tools for rural programs where access remains a barrier.
At Second Story Foundation, we see every day that recovery requires time, structure, purpose, and community. The updates to the SUPPORT and CAREER Acts help providers deliver that continuity. They reinforce the importance of linking stable housing with meaningful work and long-term support, which allows men to stay sober, gain independence, and return to the workforce. We are grateful for the bipartisan support behind this effort and look forward to working with our partners in Will County and across Illinois to put these resources to work.
“The SUPPORT and CAREER Acts give communities like ours the stability needed to help men rebuild their lives in recovery.”
– Jim O’Connor, Executive Director, Second Story Foundation
“Recovery requires time, structure, purpose, and community, and this law helps providers deliver that continuity.”
– Jim O’Connor, Executive Director, Second Story Foundation
“Linking stable housing with meaningful work allows men to stay sober, gain independence, and return to the workforce.”
– Jim O’Connor, Executive Director, Second Story Foundation
ABOUT THE SECOND STORY FOUNDATION
The Second Story Foundation is a nonprofit recovery housing and workforce organization serving men in early recovery from severe substance use disorder. The foundation operates transitional homes, a community-based jobs program, recovery support services, and the 68-acre Second Story Ranch in Crete, Illinois. Its mission is to provide long-term housing, work readiness, counseling, and community connection that support durable recovery and successful reintegration.
To support the development of long-term recovery housing at the Second Story Ranch Lodge and Residences, visit 2ndStoryFoundation.org.
