About Us

At The Ark, we believe in walking the path of recovery together. We replace the isolation of addiction with a brotherhood rooted in honest purpose and mutual support.

Carmelo and Emily Velez

5+

Years of Experience

Our History

The Ark of Decatur County is a faith based men’s recovery house providing affordable housing, accountability, and the necessary tools to live a substance free lifestyle. The objective of the overall program is helping men change their lifestyles, gaining a different perspective and thereby changing old destructive behaviors and habits.

The Ark of Decatur County, formerly known as the Greensburg Transitional Living Center, was started by Emily and Carmelo Velez among others. They sought to help the homeless and those struggling with recovery. Over time, the facility emerged as a men’s recovery house that is managed by a full time Executive Director. We can serve up to 33 men at one time. it is The Ark’s position, and Executive Director Brumley lives and demonstrates this approach, that success in sobriety comes first and foremost from developing and embracing a relationship with God. The Ark demonstrates this belief by having a Spiritual Director who meets with all clients initially, and thereafter with those desiring to deepen their faith and lean into their relationship with Jesus Christ throughout their sobriety journey.

Our Team

Donald Brumley

David Bilodeau

I spent my teenage years in Indianapolis, I was very active in sports and excelled in basketball and soccer. After I lost a friend to gun violence, he had helped me through times where my family was starting to push me out, I became heavily involved in things that I shouldn’t have been. I moved to Dallas, TX when I was 19 and destroyed an amazing relationship due to alcohol use and mental health issues. I came back to Indy and started drinking more. I then moved to Fort Wayne where I had my son. I had him full time for 2 years, but then my alcohol addiction started to take full effect. I lost custody of my son which absolutely shattered my thought process, and immediately sent me into a downward spiral of lies and deceit, I then moved to Indianapolis. I lived on the streets of Indy for 11 months, drinking into blackouts every day before I ended up at a rehabilitation center. After a 4-month stay, I moved to Richmond, IN where I worked in private security. I lost that job after a few months due to consistently blacking out multiple times a day and therefore was rendered useless. The days leading up to my sobriety date, I spent hours on the phone with the suicide hotline. It was during one of these conversations that a man urged me to make a call to go to rehab. That whole entire day felt different. I wasn’t sick or shaking, it felt like I was being released from a strong set of chains. Toward the end of my rehab stay, I asked for help finding a sober living home. I had never heard of Greensburg before, so I thought that would be the perfect place to go. Once I arrived here, I was instantly greeted with warmth. From my first time at church, I had a feeling that I was supposed to be here for some reason not known to me. I took The Ark program seriously and looked for other ways to serve. When I was offered the position as a House Manager, I was not sure I would be able to handle all the responsibilities involved. It has not been an easy road, however with God’s blessing and the support I have from the Director. I am making strides, slowly but surely.

Our Board of Directors

President: Christie McLaughlin
Vice President: Jacob Joseph
Secretary:   Becky Anderson-Mauk
Treasurer:   Rebecca Javarauckas
Active Board Members:   Emily Velez, Carmelo Velez, Trevor Cook, Kay Hungate

Moral Reconation Therapy

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a structured, cognitive‑behavioral, step‑based group treatment designed to increase moral reasoning, reduce antisocial thinking and behavior, and lower recidivism. It uses a sequenced series of exercises and homework that challenge distorted beliefs, build prosocial values and decision‑making skills, and move participants through progressively higher stages of moral development.

Help Our Cause

Donating to a sober men’s living house invests directly in long-term recovery and community safety: your support helps provide stable, substance-free housing, structured peer support, counseling access, and life-skills training that dramatically reduces relapse risk. The Ark of Decatur County restores dignity and purpose by giving men a chance to regain employment, reconnect with family, and contribute positively to their community, which in turn lowers public health and criminal-justice costs. A donation — large or small — creates measurable ripple effects: stronger families, safer communities, and empowered individuals who can move from crisis to sustained independence.

A Faith-Based Path to Lasting Recovery

Research shows there are multiple pathways to recovery. At The Ark, we believe that unless God is leading their lives, sobriety is only from the last time they used until the next time. This could be one month, a year or 10 years. However, probability is high and research shows that they will use again. However, if we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, we have the authority and power to stand strong in our sobriety. Philippians 4 :13 states “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program?

The program duration is dependent on the needs of the individual. The goal would be for participation in The Ark program for 6 to 9 months. However, this may be shortened or extended based on individual needs.

Is there job availability in Decatur County?

The Ark partners with the local temporary employment agencies to find employment opportunities. These opportunities often move into full time employment. It is not uncommon for Ark clients to be promoted once they are hired full time.

Is there transportation?

The Ark does provide transportation as needed. However, personal modes of transportation are encouraged such as scooters, bikes and personal vehicles. The Ark works with clients to regain or obtain their driver’s license and insurance.

Can my family visit?

Family visits are encouraged. These visits must be scheduled and approved in advance. Facilities are provided for the visit and are age appropriate if children are involved.

The initial stage of a sobriety journey often begins with the courage to answer difficult questions about one’s relationship with substances and the underlying reasons for seeking change. We are here to help and look forward to talking with you.

0 %

Post Graduate Sobriety Rate

Phil 4:13

I can do all things through Christ
who strengthens me.