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L2L
Washington County, Maryland

Climbing Ladders to Become Leaders in Recovery

Safe, supportive recovery housing for individuals ready to start their journey toward lasting sobriety and self-sufficiency.

Ladders to Leaders Recovery House
3+
Recovery Houses
12
Step Program Model
24/7
Supportive Community
5+
Years Serving
Ladders to Leaders Community
Our Mission

Recovery Always Comes First

At Ladders To Leaders, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

Our recovery houses provide more than a place to stay — they provide a community built on accountability, respect, and the shared goal of lasting sobriety.

Learn More About Us
Our Residences

Recovery Housing That Feels Like Home

Our houses are communities where residents support each other on the path to recovery.

Shaw House

Shaw House

Structured recovery living with house meetings, chore assignments, and peer support.

Summit House

Summit House

Community-focused environment promoting accountability and personal growth.

CCR House

CCR House

Safe, respectful housing with curfew structures and recovery program requirements.

Ready to Start Your Recovery?

Take the first step toward a new chapter.

Please Consider Making a Donation Today

Your generosity helps individuals rebuild their lives through recovery housing.

Donate Via PayPal

Make a secure donation through your PayPal account or with a credit/debit card.

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Donate Via Facebook

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Donate Via Cash App

Send your donation instantly to $LaddersToLeaders on Cash App.

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Ladders To Leaders is a registered nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.

Contact Us

P.O. Box 150 — Smithsburg, MD 21783

Get In Touch

Address
P.O. Box 150, Smithsburg, MD 21783

Application

Take the first step toward your recovery journey with Ladders To Leaders.

Before You Apply

Thank you for your interest in Ladders To Leaders (L2L). We are pleased that you are ready to start your recovery journey. Before we proceed to the application, let's make sure the L2L program is a good fit for you. Please read over our program rules and regulations:

Move-In & Housing Rules+
  • Upon admission, all clothing and linens must be placed in the dryer on the highest setting for 30 minutes to prevent the spread of bedbugs.
  • You must remove your personal items within ten (10) days of move-out; failure to do so will result in your possessions being disposed of.
  • There is no expectation of privacy or exclusivity in regard to occupancy; resident living areas may be accessed by at least 2 members of L2L staff at any time.
Recovery Program Requirements+
  • You must obtain a sponsor.
  • You must work a program of recovery.
  • You must attend five (5) 12-Step meetings per week. Acceptable: IOP, OP, Therapy, Smart, Celebrate Recovery, Zoom.
  • You must attend a minimum of 3 in-person meetings per week out of the 5.
  • You must attend House Meetings regularly.
  • You may be subject to toxicology testing at any time.
  • Lodging at L2L is based upon continued sobriety — drinking alcohol or using drugs is not permitted and is cause for dismissal.
  • Recovery always comes first.
Community & Conduct Standards+
  • You must complete assigned weekly chores as required, on time and thoroughly.
  • You must respect house property and housemates' belongings.
  • Be kind to your neighbors — both housemates and community members. Causing disharmony is grounds for dismissal.
  • Violence, hostile, abusive, obscene, or inflammatory speech results in immediate dismissal.
  • All residents will treat fellow residents and guests with respect at all times.
  • Lying and stealing are not permitted.
  • All residents are responsible for the cleanliness of living areas.
Schedules, Curfews & Passes+
  • Weekend passes are not given until you've lived at the house for 10 days. Requests must be submitted by 6 PM Thursday.
  • Curfew: 11 PM–5 AM (Sun–Thu), 1 AM–5 AM (Fri–Sat). Contact the house manager if curfew won't be met.
  • Guests allowed in common areas only for 1-hour visits during non-curfew hours. Not allowed in private rooms.
  • Rent is due weekly to L2L office staff or house manager. Monthly option available on scheduled date.
  • All medications must be kept in original containers in a secure lockbox.

Ready to Apply?

If you've reviewed the rules and you're ready, fill out the application below.

Annual Reports

Transparency and accountability in our mission to support recovery.

Annual Report
2025

Ladders to Leaders 2025 Report

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Annual Report
2024

Ladders to Leaders 2024 Report

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Annual Report
2023

Ladders To Leaders 2023 Report

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Annual Report
2022

Ladders To Leaders 2022 Report

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About Us

Our mission, core values, and the community behind Ladders To Leaders.

Who We Are

Ladders To Leaders (L2L) is a recovery housing organization based in Washington County, Maryland. We provide safe, structured, and supportive living environments for individuals committed to their recovery journey.

Our program is built on the foundation of the 12-Step model, combined with community accountability, peer support, and a genuine belief that recovery always comes first. We operate multiple recovery houses in Washington County where residents live together as a community.

At L2L, we don't just offer a roof — we offer a pathway. Through house meetings, recovery meetings, chore responsibilities, and peer mentorship, our residents develop the skills, habits, and resilience they need to build lasting, independent lives.

Our Mission

What We Stand For

Ladders to Leaders is dedicated to helping people transition from alcoholism and addiction, with concern to domestic violence, homelessness, incarceration, and related mental illnesses into productive members of society by offering housing, employment opportunities, intensive peer-based case management, peer support, access to outside professional resources, and a safe environment.

Our Core Values

What Guides Us

Personal Responsibility

Recovery starts with you.

Lifelong Journey

Recovery is an ongoing commitment.

Transformative Change

Recovery requires a profound shift in mindset.

Purpose & Place

Discover your role in the universe.

Community Strength

Long-lasting recovery thrives with ongoing support and fellowship.