PNLH Expands Recovery Housing with 12 New Beds for Early Recovery Clients
June 9, 2025 – Brighton, MI
Personalized Nursing LIGHT House (PNLH) is expanding its Recovery Housing Program with the opening of two new homes, adding 12 additional beds to support individuals in early recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). This expansion is made possible through funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Recovery Housing Investment Program (RHIP).
The new homes will serve clients enrolled in PNLH outpatient services, including Intensive Outpatient with Domicile (IOPD) and Enhanced Outpatient with Domicile (EOPD). Each home will provide a safe, structured, and sober environment for people in early recovery, many of whom face housing instability.
“Having a safe, clean, and supportive home creates a healing environment and is fundamental to laying a strong foundation in recovery,” said PNLH CEO Joseph Paliwoda. “These homes will open new doors for individuals and support their recovery journey.”
PNLH Peer Recovery Coaches and Case Managers will support residents in the homes, helping them build skills, access resources, and continue treatment in a stable setting. These services align with PNLH’s mission to provide whole-person, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care rooted in the LIGHT Model.
“We are deeply grateful to MSHDA for making this possible,” Paliwoda added. “This investment helps us serve more people with dignity, safety, and hope.”
The homes are expected to open this summer and will serve adults with SUD, with priority given to those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This expansion continues PNLH’s legacy of innovation in integrated recovery care throughout southeast Michigan.
To learn more about PNLH Recovery Housing or make a referral, visit www.pnlh.org/services/recovery-housing or call 734-451-7800.
PNLH Launches Recovery Support App to Help Clients Stay Connected
June 9, 2025 – Plymouth, MI
Personalized Nursing LIGHT House (PNLH) has launched a new digital support tool to help clients stay connected and motivated throughout their recovery. Through a pilot program funded by the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), PNLH is now offering the Connections app by CHESS Health to Intensive Outpatient (IOP) clients living in community-based housing.
The Connections app offers 24/7 access to peer-moderated forums, crisis support, educational resources, daily check-ins, virtual meetings, and motivational content—all designed specifically for people recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). It serves as a vital bridge between treatment sessions and as clients transition to more independent living.
“This app supports our clients at all stages of recovery and strengthens the work of our peer recovery team,” said PNLH Co-Founder and CEO Joe Paliwoda. “With staffing challenges across the field, this technology helps ensure clients feel supported between appointments and even after they leave our housing.”
PNLH was selected for this pilot because of its long history of innovation in behavioral healthcare—including developing Intensive Outpatient Programming with Domicile (IOPD) in the 1990s and offering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and peer recovery coaching.
CHESS Health CEO Hans Morefield praised PNLH’s commitment: “By offering Connections, PNLH is giving its clients and staff a powerful tool to foster long-term recovery and consistent care.”
Currently available at PNLH’s Plymouth facility, the app is expected to roll out across all locations.
PNLH Recertified by CARF-ASAM for Withdrawal and Residential Levels of Care
July 2025 – Madison Heights, MI
Personalized Nursing LIGHT House (PNLH) has once again achieved national recognition for clinical excellence, receiving recertification from CARF-ASAM for its Withdrawal Management and Residential treatment services at its Madison Heights location.
This distinction, awarded by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and based on standards developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), affirms that PNLH continues to meet rigorous national benchmarks for quality care, client safety, and evidence-based practice.
“We are proud to be the first—and likely still the only—SUD provider in Michigan certified by CARF-ASAM for these levels of care,” said CEO Joseph Paliwoda. “It reflects our deep commitment to delivering structured, compassionate, and accountable treatment that meets national best practices.”
The certification process evaluates whether programs are following ASAM Level of Care standards, including:
- Medical and clinical oversight
- Person-centered treatment planning
- Use of evidence-based models like the LIGHT Model and Motivational Interviewing
- Facility safety and program effectiveness
PNLH’s leadership in implementing the ASAM-required policies and procedures ensures clients receive the right level of care at the right time—building the foundation for sustained recovery.
This recertification underscores PNLH’s long-standing mission to lead the way in ethical, integrated, and trauma-informed substance use treatment across southeast Michigan.