Promising pathways to recovery and employment at Adele House

Now operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, the residential drug and alcohol program near Coffs Harbour is backed by the financial support of the PAYCE Foundation and the NSW Drug Court referral program.

Adele House is a purpose built, $10 million facility jointly funded by the PAYCE Foundation and the NSW Government. It has helped hundreds of men rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community.

In 2025, Adele House supported 65 men through alcohol and other drug rehabilitation, including 31 men who identify as First Nations.

Referral and care pathways have been established with Drug Courts across NSW and the Metropolitan Referral and Remand Centre, alongside the engagement of an Addiction Specialist to support treatment continuity following release from custody.

A major focus has been the development of a Work Skills Program, introduced in March 2025 and covering hospitality, horticulture, ground maintenance and job readiness.

Director of health services for St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Monica Yanni, said that of the 65 men supported, 44 have participated in the program, representing 67 per cent of all residents.

“Our Work Skills Program has become a cornerstone of recovery at Adele House, supporting confidence, purpose and pathways to employment,” Yanni said.

“We are also proud of the way our clients are encouraged to give back, whether through preparing meals for people experiencing homelessness at Pete’s Place or contributing to our thriving organic gardens that now support daily meal preparation.”

PAYCE Foundation director Dominic Sullivan said ensuring men have the skills to return to the community addiction free, with strong prospects of holding down a job, is critical to preventing relapse.