PURPOSE-DRIVEN SOBER LIVING FOR MEN
THE NATION’S ONLY SOBER HOUSE WITH DAILY JIU JITSU TRAINING ON SITE
“He was on a different footing. His roots grasped a new soil.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, Page 12
“Seed has started to sprout in a new soil, but growth has only begun.”
— Alcoholics Anonymous, Page 117
Around the clock staffing and 24/7 supervision
Daily Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training sessions & in house Gym
Home Cooked Meals
Onsite yoga studio, weekly outdoor adventure trips & a peaceful location in the Pocono Mountains
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH TO SOBER LIVING
A Home for Recovery and Growth
Located in the Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania, New Soil serves men from across the country with a focus on ages 18–35, who are transitioning from inpatient substance abuse treatment into structured sober living and an independent life in recovery.
Our mission is to help young men rebuild their lives through martial arts, daily structure, authentic community, and healthy living.
Finding the Right Pathway to Recovery: Structured Men’s Sober Living
When a young man is struggling to maintain sobriety after rehab, the environment he returns to can make all the difference. New Soil Sober Living provides a safe and structured recovery residence in the Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania, welcoming men from across the country who are ready to build a new life in recovery.
Research increasingly shows that recovery doesn't end when inpatient treatment ends. Studies of recovery housing have found that people who transition from substance abuse treatment into a stable, recovery-focused living environment experience better long-term outcomes than those receiving usual aftercare alone, including higher rates of abstinence, greater employment, and fewer legal problems. We believe the period immediately after rehab is one of the most important times to establish the habits, structure, and support that make long-term sobriety possible.
We specialize in helping young men transition from inpatient substance abuse treatment into lasting independence. Our program is built around personal responsibility, fellowship, daily structure, and healthy living. We teach residents the habits, discipline, and mindset needed to stay sober and build a productive life after treatment.
True recovery requires more than simply avoiding drugs and alcohol. It requires rebuilding the whole person. Alongside group therapy, AA/NA meetings, a structured schedule, New Soil incorporates daily Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, strength training, yoga, outdoor adventure, and fresh home-cooked meals. Martial arts and physical fitness help develop discipline, confidence, emotional regulation, stress tolerance, and the ability to handle challenges without returning to old behaviors.
We don't just provide a place to stay. We provide the structure, support, and community to build a life worth defending.
Complete Fitness, Nutrition & Comfort
We believe rebuilding your life starts with rebuilding yourself. New Soil provides the environment, nutrition, and fitness resources residents need to become stronger—physically and mentally.
Fully Equipped On-Site Home Gym
A dedicated weight room (including dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and a squat rack) gives residents the opportunity for strength training, building discipline, and developing healthy habits that carry into life beyond recovery.
Fresh, Home-Cooked Healthy Meals
Residents receive fresh, nutritious, home-cooked meals designed to fuel an active lifestyle, support physical recovery, and make healthy eating part of everyday life.
Comfortable, High-Quality Living
A spacious, clean, comfortable home provides the right environment to rest, reset, focus, and build a strong foundation for long-term sobriety and independence.
Yoga, Meditation & Reflection in the Pocono Mountains
There is more to recovery than the hard work of maintaining abstinence from mind- and mood-altering substances. Recovery is also about learning how to slow down, clear your head, and become comfortable in your own skin.
Mind-Body Balance
New Soil offers a dedicated mindfulness space where residents can practice yoga, pilates, breathwork, stretching, meditation, and daily reflection. It gives residents time each day to slow down, process what they're experiencing, clear their minds, and reset - developing the mental clarity and personal discipline needed to build a healthy life in recovery.
Connecting with Nature in the Poconos
Large windows overlooking the surrounding woods provide a peaceful setting to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with nature. The Pocono Mountains offer a natural environment that encourages time outdoors and away from the distractions of everyday life.
Daily Reflection & Personal Growth
The space also provides a quiet setting for journaling, group therapy, in-house 12-step meetings, guided meditation and personal reflection. Residents learn to slow down, get honest with themselves, and develop the discipline needed to build a new life in recovery.
Comprehensive 12-Step, Peer & Clinical Support Integration
We bridge the gap between clinical rehab and real-world independence by providing structure, guidance, peer support, and access to continued clinical care.
AA & NA Meetings
Residents will be expected to complete a 90 and 90 during their 3 months at New Soil (90 meetings in 90 days). Transportation will be provided to AA and NA meetings throughout the area, helping residents build meaningful connections and a strong sober support network.
Daily Discussion Groups
Peer-led discussions focused on gratitude, mindset, personal responsibility, triggers, and practical strategies for navigating the challenges of everyday life in recovery.
Group Therapy & IOP Support
New Soil has partnered with local recovery nonprofits to provide residents with group therapy and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) at off-site locations. We provide transportation to and from these programs, helping residents maintain continuity of care while living in a structured sober environment.
Outpatient & Clinical Appointment Support
Transportation and logistical support are available for IOP, career counseling, medical appointments, and other appropriate recovery services, helping residents stay connected to the professional support they need as they transition toward independence.
Veteran-Owned with a Supportive and Structured Environment
Founded and operated by a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with 17 years of continuous sobriety, New Soil combines empathy with structure, personal responsibility, and daily discipline. We understand that recovery requires both support and accountability.
24/7 On-Site Staffing
Residents have access to guidance, support, and encouragement around the clock, with dedicated overnight staff on site.
Frequent and Random Drug Testing
Drug and alcohol testing is conducted regularly throughout the program to maintain a safe, sober, and supportive living environment.
Real-World Transition Planning
We help young men prepare for life beyond sober living by offering access to a career counselor, establishing productive daily habits, strengthening relationships, and building the foundation for long-term sobriety and independence.
Meet the Owner, Marine Corps veteran and BJJ Practitioner Bert W.
New Soil’s mission is to help residents get sober, happy, healthy, and strong.
Sober since 2009, Bert founded New Soil from his own experience in long-term recovery and his belief that young men need more than a place to stay after rehab. They need structure, purpose, community, challenges—and a reason to enjoy being sober.
With nearly a decade of training in Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Bert has discovered that the lessons from the mats are really lessons for life: staying calm under pressure, getting comfortable being uncomfortable, control of one’s emotions, problem solving in the midst of chaos, and persevering through hardship are skills that apply far beyond the dojo.
Jiu-Jitsu also provides practical self-defense skills. Residents learn how to protect themselves, de-escalate physical confrontation, and develop the confidence that comes from knowing they can handle themselves if they are ever physically attacked. New Soil is not training MMA fighters. Our goal is to develop capable, confident men who can regulate themselves under pressure and have enough basic self-defense skills to protect themselves or others.
That is why Jiu-Jitsu is in the DNA of New Soil. Residents aren't just learning a martial art—they're developing discipline, resilience, confidence, and the mindset needed to handle life's pressures without returning to drugs and alcohol.
New Soil isn't just about recovery. We are reconstructing. Getting sober is the starting point. Residents work to reconstruct their lives by rebuilding relationships, developing healthy routines, pursuing education and employment, taking care of their bodies, developing emotional strength, discovering a new sense of purpose and learning how to live.
The program of recovery at New Soil is also a lot of fun. Part of our mindset can be found on page 132 of the AA Big Book: “But we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.” Having fun is part of getting your life back. Residents are encouraged to laugh, build friendships, enjoy the outdoors, challenge themselves, and rediscover how much a sober life has to offer.
At New Soil, we believe sobriety should be something you build a life around—not a life you simply endure.
INSIDE OUR MEN’S SOBER LIVING RESIDENCE IN NORTHEAST PA
A Comfortable, Structured Home for Lasting Recovery
New Soil provides a comfortable, stable and supportive sober living environment for young men transitioning from treatment into independent life. Located in the Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania, our home provides a warm, welcoming alternative to the institutional feel of a clinical facility.
This is more than a place to live. It's a place to rebuild—with a daily schedule, personal responsibility, physical training, recovery support, and a community of men working toward the same goal.
Every part of New Soil is designed to help residents make the transition from inpatient treatment to independent living, while developing the habits, discipline, and confidence needed for lasting recovery.
Explore our men's sober living residence in Pennsylvania to learn more about our home, daily program, dojo, fitness facilities, and purpose-driven recovery environment.
Residence Amenities & Training Facilities
New Soil is designed to feel like a home—not a facility. Residents have access to comfortable living spaces, dedicated training areas, peaceful outdoor space, and the structure and support needed to build a strong foundation in recovery.
On-Site Gym & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Dojo
Our dedicated BJJ dojo and gym feature high-quality grappling mats, free weights, and training equipment. Residents have the opportunity to train daily, develop practical self-defense skills, build physical strength, and learn the discipline and resilience that carry over from the mats into everyday life.
Comfortable Living & Dining Spaces
Residents share a comfortable living room designed for house meetings, IOP sessions, and building genuine friendships and community. A fully equipped kitchen and dining area provide fresh, home-cooked meals and healthy daily routines.
Private Pocono Mountain Grounds
Our wooded outdoor space provides a peaceful setting away from the distractions of everyday life. Residents can use the grounds for reflection, journaling, mindfulness, outdoor activity, and simply enjoying some time outside.
Comfortable Bedrooms & 24/7 Support
Clean, comfortable bedrooms and full laundry facilities provide the essentials of a well-run home. 24/7 on-site staff provide guidance, consistency, and support while residents work toward long-term sobriety and independence.
THE POCONO MOUNTAINS OF NORTHEAST PA: A PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT FOR LASTING RECOVERY
Located in the Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA), New Soil gives young men a peaceful environment to step away from the distractions and pressures of everyday life and focus on rebuilding.
The forests, fresh mountain air, and natural surroundings provide a setting where residents can slow down, clear their heads, spend time outdoors, and develop healthy routines. Recovery isn't just about getting sober, it's about rebuilding your life, and your environment matters.
For families looking for a structured men’s sober living and recovery residence in Pennsylvania, New Soil combines the benefits of the Pocono Mountains with 24/7 on-site support, daily 12-Step meetings, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, physical fitness, healthy living, and meaningful community.
Four-Season Experiential Outdoor Recovery
Idle time can be a challenge in early recovery. At New Soil, we believe residents should have opportunities to stay active, get outside, have fun, and build positive experiences in sobriety.
The Pocono Mountains provide a four-season setting for experiential recovery, giving residents opportunities to challenge themselves, explore the outdoors, and build genuine camaraderie with the other men in the house.
Spring & Summer
Hiking local trails, kayaking, mountain biking, exploring the Pocono Mountains, and spending time together outdoors—all while creating new experiences and healthy memories in recovery.
Fall & Winter
Hiking through the fall foliage, exploring the outdoors in cooler weather, snowboarding and skiing, disc golf and enjoying quiet evenings for reflection and mindfulness.
Peaceful Isolation with Unmatched Regional Accessibility
New Soil offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, residential setting removed from the distractions and pressures of major metropolitan areas, while remaining highly accessible to families and residents throughout the broader Tri-State region.
Located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, New Soil is within approximately two hours of several major population centers across Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Serving Families & Residents Across the Tri-State Region
- New York & Tri-State Area: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, and Orange County
- New Jersey: Northern New Jersey, Bergen County, Morris County, and Central New Jersey
- Connecticut & Southern New England: Fairfield County, Hartford, and surrounding communities
- Pennsylvania: Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, the Lehigh Valley—including Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton—and Philadelphia
This combination of peaceful surroundings, distance from urban distractions, and convenient regional access allows New Soil to provide residents with a meaningful change of environment without placing them beyond reasonable reach of their families and support networks.
Direct Transport & Immediate Admissions for Families
New Soil works directly with families, interventionists, and clinical treatment providers throughout the Northeast to make the transition from inpatient treatment to structured sober living as seamless as possible.
Our streamlined intake process allows families and referring professionals to complete an initial screening with our team by phone. Once accepted, New Soil can coordinate direct transportation from an inpatient treatment facility to our East Stroudsburg residence, minimizing gaps between levels of care and providing residents with immediate guidance, stability, and support as they begin the next stage of recovery.
The Benefits of Combining Martial Arts & Sobriety
The Science of Active Recovery: How BJJ, Physical Discipline & Daily Fitness Can Support Long-Term Recovery
Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other leading medical institutions has found that regular physical activity can support recovery from substance-use disorders by improving mood, reducing stress, supporting sleep, and providing a healthy structure for daily life. New Soil builds on these benefits by incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), physical fitness, and disciplined daily routines into the recovery environment.
Rather than allowing unstructured downtime to dominate early recovery, residents are encouraged to develop healthy routines, challenge themselves physically, and experience the confidence that comes from setting and achieving meaningful goals.
Neurobiological Health & Natural Reward
Rebuilding Healthy Routines Through Physical Conditioning
Substance use can disrupt the brain's reward and stress systems. Regular exercise provides a healthy source of natural reward while supporting mood, sleep, stress regulation, and overall physical health.
At New Soil, structured fitness and BJJ training give residents a consistent opportunity to replace sedentary or unproductive time with purposeful physical activity. The goal is not to claim that exercise alone treats addiction, but to use physical activity as one component of a broader recovery lifestyle.
Emotional Resilience & Stress Management Under Pressure
Translating Mat Skills into Everyday Recovery
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a unique environment for practicing composure under controlled physical pressure. Residents learn to manage breathing, frustration, fatigue, and discomfort while remaining focused on solving problems rather than reacting impulsively.
These experiences can reinforce practical recovery skills: staying calm during stressful situations, tolerating discomfort, asking for help when needed, and continuing to work through challenges rather than immediately seeking escape.
Identity, Discipline & Purpose
Trading the Lifestyle of Addiction for a Lifestyle of Growth.
Recovery involves more than simply putting the substances down. It also involves building a life that residents genuinely want to maintain.
A consistent routine of BJJ, strength training, cardiovascular fitness, chores, 12 step meetings, and personal responsibility gives residents opportunities to develop competence and confidence through measurable progress. The culture at New Soil encourages residents to see themselves not through the identity of their past addiction, but as individuals capable of discipline, accountability, physical development, and meaningful long-term growth.
At New Soil, martial arts is not presented as a replacement for treatment or recovery support. It is a practical tool for building the habits, structure, confidence, and healthy lifestyle that can complement a resident's recovery journey.
Why New Soil Is Different
A Safe and Structured Level III Men’s Recovery Residence
New Soil is designed for young men ages 18–35 transitioning from inpatient treatment into a structured and supportive recovery environment. Rather than relying solely on residents to establish healthy habits after rehab, New Soil incorporates supervision, guidance, daily structure, physical fitness, and ongoing recovery support into everyday life.
24/7 On-Site Supervision
Continuous staff presence provides residents with consistent guidance and support throughout the day and overnight.
Frequent Random Screening
Random drug and alcohol testing helps reinforce sobriety and maintain a safe, substance-free living environment. Chef-Crafted Daily Meals Included: Fresh, nutritious, home-cooked meals are provided as part of the residential experience, supporting physical health and the demands of an active recovery lifestyle.
Structured 12-Step & Recovery Support:
Residents attend daily AA/NA meetings, in house groups and IOP with regional recovery non-profits.
Martial Arts & Physical Fitness:
BJJ, strength training, yoga, pilates and outdoor recreation provide residents with constructive activities, discipline, physical challenges, and opportunities to build confidence.
Employment & Life-Skills Development:
Residents are expected to pursue employment, education, career development, and increasing personal responsibility as they progress through the program.
New Soil's objective is to create a structured bridge between clinical treatment and independent living—giving young men the routine, community, and practical life skills needed to build a sustainable life in recovery.
Ways to Contact Us
Our admissions team is available 24/7 for families, interventionists, and young men seeking immediate intake or direct transportation from rehab facilities across PA, NJ, NY, and CT.
Call Us Direct
Speak immediately with our 24/7 recovery admissions team.
Text Us
Need a quick answer? Send us a text for an immediate reply.
Email Us
Send confidential inquiries regarding programming and intake.
Location: East Stroudsburg, Pocono Mountains, PA | Serving: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, & National Admissions
To protect the anonymity and privacy of our residents, the men pictured throughout this website are AI-generated and are not actual New Soil residents.