Joey Bachrach and Andrew Fox, the founders of Rainbow Hill Sober Living, open an LGBTQIA+ treatment center in the heart of Miracle Mile
BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY ZIV SADE
Joey Bachrach and Andrew Fox, a recently married sober couple, the founders of Rainbow Hill Sober Living and the newly established Rainbow Hill Recovery (opening next month in Los Angeles), say that sobriety is not only a connecting factor in their relationship—it is “one of the most important beats of our synced hearts.”
“Sobriety has been something that we shared from the start of our relationship many moons ago,” reveals Bachrach in an interview with THE FIGHT. “First, as friends —me playing hard to get for a year—to dating and being in a committed relationship, to becoming fiances, and on April 27th of this year, becoming husbands.”
They decided to open Rainbow Hill Sober Living in 2021 when they “realized there was a need for an LGBTQ specific sober living. We wanted to create a haven for members of our community who wanted to focus on their sobriety and not have to worry about who they are or how they present. To be unapologetically their true authentic selves. Free of judgment or shame,” says Fox.
There are too many sober livings that claim to be LGBTQ “friendly”—I would put friendly within quotation marks because the stories we continue to hear from our clients, whom we refer to as our sober children—are heartbreaking.”
“These allegedly “friendly” places are where these sober livings intentionally misgender, call clients homophobic slurs, and claim to be a safe space for members of our community,” says Bachrach.
“That is where our passion, drive, and fire come from. We had a family home that was previously an Airbnb and saw the potential of turning it into something unique, fun, and not sterile. With our history of flipping houses, we completely reimagined the 1901 whimsical home today known as Rainbow Hill Sober Living.”
“We know we won’t be able to save everyone, but the ones we are is why we do what we do. We will always root for and protect the underdogs, creating family and community for generations to come.”
This coming June “just in time for Pride Month” the couple are opening Rainbow Hill Recovery.
“We wanted to create a haven for members of our community who wanted to focus on their sobriety and not have to worry about who they are or how they present. To be unapologetically their true authentic selves. Free of judgment or shame.”
“We always knew that Rainbow Hill Sober Living was just the start. Rainbow Hill is what it is today because of the love and reputation we have built, thanks to our clients, their families, and our amazing staff. It took months of rejection from building owners discriminating against us. Referring to us as “those people” until we found a landlord who understood our mission. Finding the perfect location was the first step. Second was hiring key staff, clinicians, and therapists, all with a moral compass.
When asked how Rainbow Hill Recovery will differ from other treatment centers—Bachrach explains: “We are an LGBTQIA+ treatment center in the heart of Miracle Mile. Helping recovering addicts and alcoholics who fall under the queer umbrella. If you are gay, lesbian, bi, trans, or nonbinary, or questioning, we are an affirming and safe environment for you to grow and flourish in your recovery.”
“Understanding that we, as queer people in recovery, come with different experiences, and traumas, we require anyone working with us in our field to be educated, affirming, and compassionate. Our main focus will be the success and affordability of our clients. We hope they will leave with the tools they’ll learn at Rainbow Hill Recovery to continue living a healthy, happy, and, most importantly, sober life. One thing is for certain Rainbow Hill Recovery will not be a revolving door. We are all on our own paths and look forward to walking side by side with you on your journey!”
Additionally, reveals Bachrach, “we are excited to share that Big Little Bows is going live in the coming weeks. Big Little Bows is a 501(c)3 organization that helps teens ages 15-17 who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community actively on the road to recovery. Big Bows are mentors that have been where Little Bows are today. Be someone’s light at the end of the tunnel showing that recovery is possible. We are stronger together!
For more info on Rainbow Hill Sober Living visit: www.rainbowhillsoberliving.com
For more info on Rainbow Hill Recovery visit: www.Rainbowhillrecovery.com
