James “Jim” Gavin worked in the corrections field for 28 years. He began as a Watch Officer at Norfolk Prison Colony and then as Corrections Officer at the old Charlestown State Prison. He later became supervisor and night deputy. He was on the original staff at Walpole State Prison in 1956. A year later he joined the Massachusetts Parole Board. In 1963 he was designated by his superiors to be the Coordinator of Alcoholism Programs for the MA Department of Corrections and the MA Department of Parole. The following year he was named “Parole Officer of the Year” by the 95^th Congress of Corrections of the American Corrections Associations. He was well known by the people of Alcoholics Anonymous and by the staff members of both private and public agencies concerned with alcoholism and was widely recognized for his profound knowledge on the subject. A fellow of the Yale Institute of Studies of Alcoholism, he maintained close contact with the experts in the field.

With a handful of interested friends, he formed the Arch Foundation (later to become the Gavin Foundation) as a non-profit interdenominational organization aiming to “provide for qualified men who have alcohol problems, a positive rehabilitation program not otherwise available to them in municipal or private hospitals, clinics or agencies.” Largely from his own funds and the contribution of friends, he purchased a former police station - Old Station Twelve, as a halfway house for paroled prisoners with alcoholism as a contributing factor in their incarceration.

With the contributed labor of several volunteers, including some parolees, Jim Gavin worked with his own hands on the massive job of renovating the old fire station until it became fit for a halfway house operation. Jim, his wife Mary and their children resided here until his passing in 1965.

After Jims passing, the Board of Directors assumed oversight of the program operations until Pat, the night manager, returned home from his regular job to cook the residents dinner. Director James Mullen and Board Treasurer Fr. Mortimer Gavin handled the fiduciary responsibilities for the program until the appointment of Thomas O’Connor “Tom” to the position of Executive Director. Tom held the reigns for 25 years and under his leadership Gavin House gained a reputation as the gold standard for the treatment of alcoholism.

Tom kept to Jims’s mission of serving men who had been incarcerated for crimes as a result of alcoholism. Tom built on the social foundation to expand Gavin House programs. A program called Novalco came down from Canada in 1969. John O’Malley was instrumental in rewriting and reorganizing Novalco for an American audience, and Alcoholics Anonymous Way of Life (AAWOL) was born.

The AAWOL program is open to community members and free of charge. AAWOL is an intense study of the 12 steps. The program began in the Gavin House but quickly outgrew the space and was moved to Boston College High School and later moved to the Tynan School. The program is a staple of the Gavin Foundation and all its programs. The AAWOL program averages 20 participants per session and serves both men and women. Over the years this program has had two long-serving coordinators, Neil Cronin and Kevin Tobin, each serving for over 20 years.

Tom not only expanded services through the AAWOL program but in 1975 under Tom’s leadership the Foundation purchased the Three-Quarter House/Graduate Center at 851 E 4^th St South Boston which is still in operation today.

Tom, a former B-52 fighter pilot in WWII and Korea and an executive at Boston Edison Co., was a true leader of men and was obviously the right man to take Jim’s dream to the next level. Tom started the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at the Boston Edison Co., which later developed into the beginning of the Gavin Foundation’s strong connection with labor that is still enjoyed today. In short, without Tom’s leadership during his 24 years of service, Gavin House would not be what it is today.

When Tom retired from Gavin House, the Board of Directors had a tough job ahead of them to find someone who could step in, understand the history and navigate the programing for a new era that included treating men who were both alcoholic and drug addicted. They asked a former Gavin House volunteer and employee named James D Sweeney who had gone on to open the Answer House in South Boston to return to his roots and take the helm of the Gavin House.

James “Jim” Sweeney returned to Gavin House in 1992. It was a difficult time for social service agencies across the Commonwealth. Under Jims leadership and the leadership of the Board of Directors like Fr. Hawker and Willy Ostiguy the house not only survived but flourished. They increased the number of residents from 25 to 33. With the assistance of Judy McDonough and others like Bill Hanrahan, Assistant Commissioner of Probation, they developed the Total Immersion Program (TIP). In the spirit of Jim Gavin, the TIP program is designed to help people involved with the criminal justice system who are struggling with alcoholism and addiction to receive services in the community rather than be incarcerated. Jims’s collaboration with Bill Hanrahan ensured that public safety was at the forefront of the program.

Jim Sweeney had the insight to see that the recovery field was changing and worked collaboratively with executive directors of other Halfway Houses, which are now called Recovery Homes. He established and served as the first President of the Massachusetts Recovery Home Collaborative (RHC). Under Jims leadership the RHC played a major role in developing guidelines for licensure for persons delivering treatment for residents in recovery homes.

In 1999, at the urging of then State Senator and current Congressman Stephen Lynch the Gavin Foundation entered a new domain of “adolescent treatment” with the Cushing House for Boys opening with 16 beds. Stephen Lynch earmarked funding for this program at the State level. This laid the foundation for which future programming would be developed.

When Jim retired in 2004, he turned the reigns of Executive Director over to his trusted confidante Judy McDonough, who had served as Program Director since day 1 of Jims tenure. Judy provided excellent administrative and clinical leadership to the Foundation.

From 2005-2006 Judy McDonough and John McGahan served as Executive Co-Directors of Gavin House. Judy was also on the Board of Directors of the Edwina Martin House, a recovery home for women in Brockton. When their Executive Director retired for health reasons, Judy accepted the invitation to fill that role. It was during this transition that the Gavin Board of Directors consolidated the ARCH Foundation into one entity known now as the Gavin Foundation.

The Gavin Foundation was then under the leadership of John McGahan, a Gavin House graduate, whose roots extend back to Tom O’Connor. John worked hard to connect our rich history to the future of recovery and substance abuse treatment as part of the healthcare system.

Societal changes over the past several decades have caused a dramatic increase in addiction to prescription medications and illicit substances which has propelled the Foundation into continuously improving access and increasing the number of programs. Starting in 2005, John and his leadership team worked with several stockholders to improve the continuum of care.

In 2006 with the help of Congressman Stephen Lynch services were increased through the establishment of Cushing House for Girls. That same year we began our collaboration with Action for Boston Community to develop William J. Ostiguy High School. William “Willie” Ostiguy is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gavin Foundation. However, his connection to the foundation is not why the school was named after him; the school bears his name because of Willies tireless efforts to make Recovery High School a reality in the Commonwealth. He understood that for our young people to remain in recovery they need this type of support to achieve their educational goals. Representative Jack Hart earmarked funding for this program at the State level.

In 2009, the Foundation collaborated with other service agencies in the establishment of Young Adult Recovery Destination (YARD). This was a federal project supported by Congressman Stephen Lynch that turned into a full-fledged Recovery Center known as the Devine Recovery Center.

In 2009, the Foundation also opened The Center of Recovery Services (CRS), an outpatient clinic to meet the demand for services in South Boston and surrounding communities. In 2010, the Foundation started Speakers for Hope, an educational program designed to reduce the use and abuse of substance abuse among teens.

In 2011 the Foundation expanded services to individuals exiting the criminal justice system through Access to Recovery (ATR) that will reduce the rate of recidivism. In addition, a second Graduate Center was obtained for residents leaving the Gavin House.

John acknowledged that expansion was only possible because of the solid foundation left to him by his predecessors, a strong and cooperative relationship between himself and the Board of Directors, a talented leadership team, a dedicated staff and the South Boston community. John firmly believes the long history of recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous is the foundation on which The Gavin House and subsequent programs rests.

In 2024, John McGahan officially retired and turned over the President & CEO duties to Peter Barbuto. Peter, an alumni of Gavin House and long-time Board of Directors member, spent a significant amount of time working alongside John during a transition period.

Peter’s vision and experience in expanding Gavin Foundation programs to meet ever increasing demand has been instrumental in Gavin Foundation continuing to be the gold standard of substance use disorder treatment not only in South Boston but throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The history of the Gavin Foundation would not be complete without acknowledging the work of Chairman of the Board Willie Ostiguy, a man of integrity, determination and perseverance. The Gavin community has been blessed to have had so many remarkable and compassionate men leading this amazing organization.

The origin of the Charlestown Recovery House began in 1993 when Father Ron Coyne, the pastor of St Catherine of Sienna Church invited members of the recovery community to discuss the need for a recovery home in Charlestown residents who were suffering from addiction. From that initial meeting in 1993 to opening the doors of The Charlestown Recovery House on July 3, 2008, is a remarkable story of 15 years of hard work, determination, and perseverance in the face of tremendous obstacles. Unlike the other houses in the Gavin family, The Charlestown House had to be built from scratch.

In 1997 The Charlestown Recovery House incorporated a Board of Directors (BOD) led by Jim Travers who was a visionary leader. The BOD were a talented group who had the determination coupled with political know-how and business acumen to navigate finding a site, satisfying permit and licensing requirements and the enormous challenge of securing funds for this huge project. The BOD worked tirelessly to make CRH a reality for Charlestown, which at the time had the highest rate of heroin overdoses of any Boston neighborhood.

The Charlestown Recovery House Inc, received the support of the Mayor’s Office, the Legislative branch and Governmental agencies for funding. Additionally, they were able to receive grants from Partners Health, MGH and secure loans from Citizens Bank. They had donations from Teamsters Local 25 and private citizens. They held creative fundraising events such as a Sunday morning breakfast on Thanksgiving weekend with nationally known comedians drawing a sold-out crowd of over 400.

The generosity of an expert legal and architectural design work individual who offered pro bono as well as the Construction Co. that built CRH at cost, were major contributions to making the vision a reality.

In 2004, CRH Inc developed a strategic alliance with Bay Cove Human Services for detoxification beds and traditional support services. Two volunteers, Tommy Howard and Kevin Smith managed the help phone line twenty-four hours a day 365 days a year, each taking alternate weeks. Any struggling Charlestown addict, alcoholic or family member could call that number to receive help. The success of the phone line made "Help a living reality for those suffering from addiction.” The referral service also enabled BOD to approach funding sources with evidence of the desperate need for help that CRH Inc was providing.

On July 3, 2008, Charlestown Recovery House opened its doors with 25 beds and currently 30 beds for the residential treatment of addiction and alcoholism. The vision born at the meeting in Father Coyne’s rectory in 1993 became a reality fifteen years later due to the determination and perseverance of a visionary leader, the Board of Directors of CRH Inc., the generosity of the professionals who provided legal and architectural design work, Suffolk Construction which built CRH at cost, the dedication of Tommy Howard and Kevin Smith, the support of Boston City Hall, State legislature and State agencies, the funding institutions like MGH, Partners Health, Citizens Bank, Teamsters local 25 and many private donors. Much gratitude is owed to all who responded to the Charlestown community’s need to create a Recovery Home so that those suffering from addiction can be restored to themselves, their families and their community.

In 2015, Charlestown Recovery House joined forces with the Gavin Foundation Family where the “Restoration of Dignity” continues to this day.

In 1974 Bob Reardon and Dick McKeen saw a need for older alcoholics to have a safe place to stay as they tried to get sober. To that end, Bob and Dick bought a house on Hamilton Street in Dorchester to turn into a Sober House. They soon discovered that the needs of the alcoholics they hoped to serve required more support than they were equipped for. Bob and Dick decided to sell the home. The McKeen’s then mortgaged their home and purchased a three-family house at 25 Mt. Ida Rd in Dorchester, keeping the original name of Hamilton House. The three-family house was turned into a 22-bedroom facility with a kitchen and a dining room. Bob and Dick refurbished the house themselves on weekends and in the evenings after their regular workdays. With Bobs recovery experience and Dicks business experience, the Hamilton House was on its way to become a Recovery Home.

Many in the community were unhappy about a recovery home moving into the neighborhood. Hamilton House was fortunate that some supportive neighbors stepped forward to help. Special thanks to Representative Pat Kipaski who attended many civic meetings to persuade neighbors that a recovery house was a good idea. Protestant Minister Rev. Allen of First Church was a great supporter during those shaky early days. Even Girl Scout Leader Mrs. Smith was a great advocate for Hamilton House. Mrs. Smith and her Girl Scout troop brought presents of socks and gloves for the residents every Christmas. That tradition has continued for 48 years although Mrs. Smith moved to Plymouth, she still arrives every Christmas Eve with her troop of grandchildren bearing presents.

In 1975 Hamilton House opened its doors. A graduate of the house became the Manager and the Cook. Alumni returned to answer phones and help out wherever needed. Graduates would return to the House for dinner and would walk with residents to nearby AA meetings.

In 1979 Hamilton House received its first Department of Public Health contract. After Bob and Dick died, Mary Ann Ruffini, who was Bobs wife and Dicks daughter, continued the work her husband and father started and eventually became the Business Manager. The HH operated on a very tight budget so when a roof leaked it could be a disaster. Mary Ann is grateful to Representative Martin Walsh who always responded to emergency calls and helped her find the resources to keep HH afloat.

The Hamilton House grew significantly throughout the decades, and the population changed to men as young as 18 struggling with addiction. Mary Ann realized that the Gavin House was able to offer more services to their clients than Hamilton House was designed for. In 2015 at a Recovery Home Collaborative meeting Mary Ann approached Executive Director John McGahan about the possibility of Hamilton House becoming affiliated with the Gavin House.

In 2015 Hamilton House became part of the Gavin family. Mary Ann Ruffini now serves on the Gavin Board of Directors.

The first motion of the Board of Directors to find and fund a recovery house for women was proposed by Willie Ostiguy in 1995. After 27 years of perseverance, the doors of Eileens House opened in August 2022.

Making a Women’s House a reality is an enormous obstacle requiring years of dedication and determination. John McGahan, Willie Ostiguy and Brian Nee looked at many properties. The task was formidable as they had to find a property that was large enough to house 30 women, near public transportation and in Boston, which is one of the most expensive cities in the country. Fortunately, John, Willie and Brian had the guidance of Ed Marsteiner, a well-respected developer in Boston, who gave incredibly valuable advice about the practical feasibility of the properties they were considering. In 2020, St Gregorys convent became available in Dorchester. After years of the committee’s searching, Ed Marsteiner saw the potential of the convent and gave the thumbs up.

The next big obstacle was renovating a building that had been vacant almost 25 years and required an enormous amount of work to make it inhabitable for 30 women. Again, Ed Marsteiner expertise and generosity with his time, talent and money were critical to the project’s success. At the 2023 Gavin Gala at the Seaport Hotel, Ed was given the Caring Hearts Award for “his extraordinary generosity and vision in making Eileen’s House a reality.”

Though the development of each Recovery House in the Gavin Foundation Family is unique, there is a complex and universal process for getting approval for each project. First was getting the approval of the zoning board, getting all the permits for such a large building and most importantly, getting the approval of the community. In the time of Covid, community meetings were held on Zoom and having the Dorchester community support for a Women’s Recovery House was essential. The fact that the pastor St. Gregorys, Fr. Jack Ahearn was a supporter of this effort which was a major benefit. Fortunately, the Dorchester community was empathetic to the women suffering from addiction and gave its approval. A commitment to being a good neighbor is at the heart of the values of the Gavin Foundation and its success.

Fundraising was essential for getting the resources to renovate, furnish and staff a project like Eileen’s House. The Gavin Foundation will always be grateful to the generosity of Eileen and Jack Connors, without whose project of this size would never have been able to happen.

Eilleen Connors of Eileen’s House was initially reluctant to lend her name because she felt it might be contrary to the anonymous spirit of AA. Fortunately, former Mayor and Representative Martin J. Walsh was able to convince Eileen that though her humility was praiseworthy, lending her name to this project would help many women. Eileen agreed and Eileen’s House was born. Eileen’s many decades in recovery has been another important asset for the women where Eileen is actively involved. Eileen also came on to join the board of directors. The Gavin Foundation is truly grateful to Eileen for undertaking this monumental project.