ARLINGTON, Wash., May 16, 2022 – Holman Recovery Center treats people with substance abuse disorders in a non-judgmental, loving, and compassionate setting so it is only appropriate that it opened on Valentine’s Day 2022, a day globally recognized as a celebration of love and compassion.

Now, inching towards 90-days of operation, Executive Director Edmond Smith and staff are preparing their 90-day checkup on their first round of graduates.

“We’re not so naive that everyone who walks out of Holman Recovery Center won’t use drugs and alcohol again, but at least the knowledge they gain here might save their life someday,” Smith told the Lynnwood Times. “[So far] we have heard back from some of our clients and they’re doing great.”

Located at 16415 Smokey Point Boulevard in Arlington, the treatment clinic has the capacity to house 36 residents (18 men and 18 women) providing a 28-day treatment, offering services designed to comprehensively address clients’ needs, and establishing a solid foundation for their recovery.

Those seeking treatment can expect evidence-based services, same-day admission, delicious dietician-approved meals, and plenty of activities including a fitness center, yoga, recreational art classes, and horticulture. No electronic devices are permitted at Holman to focus on recovery.

Onsite 12-Step meetings, guest speakers, access to Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT), and a weekend family program are also benefits available to HRC clients. The facility is structured to provide services for men and women, although its treatment groups and most activities are gender specific. Holman’s clients are provided with a structured program for daily living to help return them to the normal patterns of a healthy life.

Construction began on the residential treatment facility in November 2020 and was originally planned to open in November 2021. However, after some construction setbacks, the center opened its doors February 14 after acquiring all its necessary permits.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in January featuring keynote speakers including Executive Director Smith and the Holman Board of Directors.

The clinic is nearly fully staffed with Smith at the head of operations and Medical Director Tania Hernandez offering on-site and virtual care. Other staff members include Nursing Consultant Kozi Colberg, Care Coordinator Tina Herrera, Clinical Director Lori Olsen, and an all-star team of Recovery Monitors leading clients through developing tools for success in the battle against substance abuse.

In addition, if you are someone seeking help with substance abuse Holman Recovery is also accepting new patients with a list of different approved insurance options including Medicaid.

When you enter Holman Recovery Center, you can expect to be treated with dignity and respect for making the courageous decision to seek help. Holman believe effective treatment for substance use disorders requires a comprehensive approach, focused on healing a person’s body, mind and spirit. 

Background of Holman Recovery Center

Smith had the idea to open Holman in 2017 while working as a coordinator for a court drug program. One of the frustrations he had as coordinator, was trying to direct his clients toward residential inpatient treatment centers, all of which were located out of area. His clients would often have to wait weeks, if not months, to gain access to residential treatment, the process of getting them there was difficult, and coordinating after-care treatment was challenging.

“I thought that Snohomish County needs a residential inpatient treatment center,” Smith told the Lynnwood Times. “We need to have a residential, traditional, level 3.5, 28-day type of treatment program here. If we had something like that, I think it would be a huge service to those struggling with substance abuse disorders and help them set up a better life in recovery.”

In September 2018, the Washington Secretary of State issued Holman Recovery Center articles of incorporation officially establishing it as a Nonprofit Corporation. In May 2019, Holman Recovery Center received official 501 (c)(3) designation, becoming a federally-recognized nonprofit organization.

Holman Recovery Center is governed by a Board of Directors made up of community professionals committed to a collective mission of helping those struggling with substance abuse disorders to establish a new life in recovery. The center was made possible through its partnership with Grandview Homes Inc., which designed and constructed the facility, ensuring it met all the Washington State Residential Treatment Facility requirements.

The leadership and generosity of Scott Wammack, Owner of Grandview Inc., played a crucial role in the center’s development. Once the Holman Recovery Center was awarded its nonprofit status, Executive Director Smith met with Wammack to discuss the costs associated with construction and the purchase of the land. Wammack offered to fund the upfront cost of the project in its entirety.

In addition to Grandview Homes’s contributions, the facility was awarded a grant of $749,000 last fall, from the Washington State Behavioral Health Facilities program that allowed Grandview to be reimbursed for the cost of the land. Many executives including Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert, Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, Snohomish County Councilmember Nate Nehring, and Senator Keith Wagoner have all lent their endorsement.

As well as Executive Director Smith, the Board of Directors at Holman also include:

• Maynard Kielty, CDP (Ret.) – Board Vice President (SUD Treatment Counselor, Arlington)
• Heather Ekins, BS, SUDP – Treasurer (Law Enforcement Embedded Social Worker, Everett)
• Frederic J. Moll – Secretary (Attorney at Law, Everett)
• Laura Whitaker, BA – Board Member (Drug Court Coordinator, Everett)
• Cathy Assata, BS, SUDP – Board Member (SUD Department Director, Everett)
• Gina Wassemiller – Board Member (OPD Social Worker, Everett)
• Gabriel Rothstien – Board Member (Attorney at Law, Everett)

“There is no way I would be here today if it weren’t for that incredible group of people,” Smith said.  “The project is huge and there was no way one person could do it.”

Holman Recovery Center has also partnered with the Community Health Center of Snohomish County (CHC) and Stillaguamish Tribe Island County Counseling Services (ICCS) for treatment services including methadone treatments for those suffering from opioid addiction.

The clinic is still actively seeking four new Recover Monitors (two part time, two full time) and a Substance Use Disorder Professional. For more information on job description or to apply visit https://www.holmanrecoverycenter.org/employment/.