After past scrutiny, addiction recovery organization OnTrack reveals new facility

MEDFORD, Ore. — Addiction Recovery organization OnTrack Rogue Valley is making leaps and bounds towards redemption after controversies dating back to January 2017 forced them to close several of their residential programs.

"We did encounter a little bit of trouble in the past year or two with the condition of some of the residences," said Eddie Wallace, who has served as Communications Director at OnTrack for the past three months. "We were directed to improve certain conditions, which we have. We've done everything that's required."

Those improvements were required by the Department of Human Services after the agency investigated OnTrack last year. The investigation revealed that some of the housing programs were substandard, many employees had no background checks, and staffing was not up to par.

Since then, OnTrack has invested $2 million in renovations at several of their facilities. A big portion of the ticket has gone towards their new and improved 'Dad's House,' where fathers looking to overcome their addiction will be moving next week.

"It's a 4 bedroom, 3 and a half bath," said April Murray, Director of Residential Programs. "It will house 10 men and seven of their kiddos."

The 4,200 square foot home is 700 square foot larger than their current facility. OnTrack purchased the home for $450,000, and added another $150,000 in renovations and new furniture.

"I want our men to feel like somebody cares about them enough to give them the best that we can possibly give them," said Murray. "We want to put them in a home where they feel welcomed, where they can go and they can heal."

Following last year's scrutiny, the mom's house was closed and renovated. That facility was reopened in November.

A teen residence was also closed, and has yet to reopen. Wallace said they hope to continue that program in the future, but that could be years away.

For now, he's confident in the direction OnTrack is heading.

"We've served the community for over 40 years," he said. "And yes, there were certainly some bumps in the road these past few years. But we are back, feeling confident and really want to be a strong part of this community."

Wallace said OnTrack's original Executive Director was asked to leave after the last year's controversy. The organization then maintained interim leadership before bringing on Dr. Alan Ledford, who has served in his current position for the last eight months.