Donation supports innovative recovery program combining housing, meaningful work and Illinois’ harness racing tradition
WASHINGTON, DC – The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) today announced a $10,000 donation to the Second Story Foundation to support the development of 2nd Story Ranch, a 68-acre recovery community in Crete, Illinois, that helps people recovering from substance use disorder build stable, independent lives through housing, meaningful work, peer support and community.
Located on a former harness racing training facility, 2nd Story Ranch is bringing new purpose to a piece of Illinois’ rich racing history. The Ranch provides people who have completed treatment with long-term housing and the opportunity to live and work on a working horse farm, where caring for horses and the property provide daily structure, responsibility and meaningful work as they continue their recovery.
“Second Story Ranch is taking an innovative and deeply practical approach to a challenge that affects families and communities across Illinois and the country,” said Sean J. Ostrow, Executive Director of SGLA. “By bringing together Illinois’ rich harness racing tradition with stable housing, meaningful work, and a strong recovery community, the Ranch is creating an environment where people can build the skills, stability and confidence to move forward. SGLA is proud to contribute $10,000 to support that mission and an organization making a real difference in Illinois.”
The Second Story Foundation focuses on a critical period in the recovery process, what happens after an individual completes treatment. People leaving treatment can face immediate challenges in finding stable housing, employment and the support systems necessary to sustain their recovery. Second Story works to address those challenges through recovery housing, workforce development and community-based support. The program provides housing free of charge and allows residents to stay as long as needed. The program is already operational, and groundbreaking on the first phase of construction that will provide significant expansion is anticipated this fall.
“The 2nd Story Ranch Recovery Home and Jobs Program is being built around horses, hard work and people showing up every day to take responsibility for something that depends on them,” said Jim O’Connor, CADC, founder and executive director of the Second Story Foundation. “Those same things have real value in recovery. At 2nd Story Ranch, people will have a stable place to live, meaningful work to do and the time they need to rebuild their lives and return to the workforce. SGLA’s contribution supports that work, and we’re grateful to have them behind what we’re building.”
SGLA’s contribution comes as the Second Story Foundation moves closer to expansion of the Ranch. Earlier this year, Illinois included $2 million for the project in the state’s FY2027 budget. The Foundation is continuing to raise private funds. The contribution reflects SGLA’s commitment to supporting the communities where Social Plus players live and play. SGLA represents leading companies offering Social Plus games – free-to-play and freemium online entertainment experiences that include sweepstakes promotions.
To learn more about SGLA, please visit our website at www.SGLeadership.org and our social channels at LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
To learn more about 2nd Story Ranch, please visit www.2ndstoryfoundation.org/.
Contact:
Laurie Rossbach
Partner, Seven Letter
202.258.7810
Laurie@SevenLetter.com
About the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) champions social gaming operators who offer innovative, free-to-play entertainment experiences enjoyed by millions of Americans while promoting responsible digital entertainment. Our partners set the standard for innovation, world class games and the responsible use of digital marketing including sweepstakes promotions. We advocate for appropriate oversight that recognizes the unique entertainment value of social online games, protects players, platforms and the community, and promotes responsible gameplay.
The SGLA’s operator partners are VGW, PLAYSTUDIOS, Yellow Social Interactive, ARB Interactive, B-Two Operations and Publishers Clearing House (PCH). Other partners include major payments providers Nuvei and Paysafe. The SGLA’s advocacy and standards focus exclusively on online social games. Our advocacy does not extend to operators offering sports products or transacting in cryptocurrency.
About the Second Story Foundation
The Second Story Foundation helps men in early recovery from severe substance use disorder rebuild their lives with stability, purpose, and community. The organization provides recovery housing, meaningful work, and comprehensive support designed to promote lasting change. Its programs combine structure, employment, and fellowship to restore dignity and independence.
The Foundation operates residential recovery homes in Chicago’s south suburbs and is developing the 68-acre 2nd Story Ranch in Crete, Illinois. The ranch will serve as a residential recovery community where participants live, work, and grow through service, equine care, and skill-based training. The lodge and residences will house up to 14 men and include space for counseling, education, and community events.
The Second Story Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men build lives of integrity, connection, and hope. Through compassion, structure, and shared purpose, the foundation supports transformation that endures.
Support recovery and second chances. Give today at 2ndStoryFoundation.org or call 74-SADDLE-UP (747-233-5387).
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