IBH Addiction Recovery Expands Continuum of Care with Acquisition of Francis House Recovery
AKRON, Ohio — May 4, 2026 — IBH Addiction Recovery today announced the acquisition of Francis House Recovery, a respected recovery residence in Wadsworth, Ohio. The acquisition strengthens IBH Addiction Recovery’s ability to provide a full continuum of care by expanding access to supportive, step-down recovery housing for individuals transitioning from treatment to independent living.
The transition was finalized in March 2026 through the IBH Addiction Recovery Foundation. The home will now operate as IBH Francis House, maintaining its existing structure and mission while benefiting from the resources and clinical support of IBH Addiction Recovery. This partnership ensures a seamless experience for current residents and preserves the dedicated staff and volunteers who have made the home a cornerstone of recovery in Wadsworth.
Founded by Santo Costanzo, Francis House Recovery has served as a volunteer-led, Level II recovery home, offering a structured and supportive living environment for individuals committed to maintaining sobriety. As Costanzo prepared for retirement, he sought an organization aligned with the mission and values of Francis House that could sustain and grow its impact.
“Housing is a critical component of long-term recovery,” said Jess Rist, IBH Addiction Recovery CEO. “This acquisition allows us to expand access to safe, supportive housing while creating a natural next step for individuals leaving treatment who still benefit from structure, accountability, and community.”
Level II recovery homes are considered “monitored” environments, where residents participate in house meetings, engage in recovery programming, undergo routine drug screenings, and demonstrate progress in their recovery plans. While offering more independence than higher levels of care, these homes remain an essential bridge between treatment and full independence.
The addition of IBH Francis House addresses a growing need for step-down housing options in the region. While IBH Addiction Recovery currently offers recovery housing on its main campus in Akron, Ohio, the Wadsworth location expands geographic access and provides new opportunities for individuals seeking continued support in their recovery journey.
Residents of IBH Francis House will also gain access to IBH Addiction Recovery’s outpatient services, including individual and group counseling, peer support, and case management, enhancing the level of care available while maintaining the home’s independent living environment.
“For me, it was important to find the right organization to carry this forward,” said Santo Costanzo, Francis House Founder. “IBH Addiction Recovery shares our commitment to helping individuals build stable, meaningful lives in recovery, and I’m confident they will continue to grow the impact of Francis House.”
Francis House has long maintained strong relationships with local employers and service providers in the Wadsworth community, supporting residents in securing and maintaining employment. IBH Addiction Recovery plans to build upon these partnerships, reinforcing its focus on workforce development as a key component of sustained recovery.
This acquisition aligns with IBH Addiction Recovery’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, supporting ongoing efforts to expand treatment access, strengthen recovery support services, and develop new opportunities that enhance long-term outcomes for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.
“IBH Addiction Recovery looks forward to working with community partners, donors, and residents in Wadsworth as we continue to expand our mission of providing a place to hope, an opportunity to heal, and a path to recovery,” said Rist.