EPIC’s Second Wind Village is a sober living program dedicated to supporting individuals with substance use disorders. The vision for EPIC’s Sober Living Program began in 2018. EPIC served adults aged 18 and older in St. Johns County who have completed either EPIC Behavioral Healthcare’s inpatient or outpatient programs.
We are excited to announce that, as of November 2025, our additional Second Wind Village Sober Living Homes are ready for occupancy. This expansion was made possible by state legislative funding from the Opioid Settlement Trust and contributions from St. Johns County and local supporters. We hosted an open house to celebrate the opening
on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1590 Masters Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084. The presentation started at 9:30, with Nangy thanking everyone who has a part in making this happen, and a special thank you to Tim and Steve, our facility team, who made it all happen so quickly! Amy gave tours of the property after breakfast.
Nangela Pulsfus, CEO and the EPIC team have successfully expanded the program, increasing the number of beds for men from eight to twenty-three and for women from five to fifteen. Additionally, we now offer services for women with children. This expansion allows us to extend our services to individuals beyond EPIC’s Recovery and Residential programs.
THE SECOND WIND VILLAGE SOBER LIVING HOUSING PROGRAM
EPIC’s Second Wind Village Sober Living program provides a safe and structured environment for residents in recovery to heal and build lives free from addiction. We prioritize personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and support for long-term sobriety. Our mission is to help residents rebuild their lives by offering stable housing, developing life skills, and creating pathways to employment and independence.
Our residents, many of whom have experienced homelessness, share a primary diagnosis of substance use disorder and must commit to a minimum of six months to a year in our program. This commitment includes maintaining full-time employment, attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, and participating in random drug screenings.
The program provides:
• Life skills training (budgeting, cooking, household management).
• Family-focus ed recovery supports for mothers with children.
• Weekly recovery and empowerment groups.
• Vocational readiness and employment workshops.
• Career coaching and employer partnerships.
Our Team
A dedicated team leads Second Wind Village: EPIC Director James Lynam, House Manager Amy Davis and peer support specialists Paul Journey and Anne Mountain. They provide the support and resources residents need to maintain sobriety.
Our Vision
Looking ahead, EPIC Behavioral Healthcare is committed to expanding its Second Wind Village capacity to serve more people in need. Our goal is to replicate this model, expand our reach, and continue offering life-changing support to individuals battling substance-use disorders. Sober Living programs are critical for long-term recovery. The number one reason for relapses is finding a safe and sober living environment where one can thrive.
Success Stories
The impact of Second Wind Village is best told through the voices of our residents.
One female client shared her journey with us, explaining how she came to EPIC after nearly losing her children, job, and home due to alcoholism. After completing the detox program, she entered Second Wind’s sober living facility, which she credits with transforming her life. Through our support and the connections, she made with others in recovery, she rebuilt her life, found stable housing, and is now on the path to homeownership through the Homeless Coalition.
A male client also shared his experience, saying that after a year at Second Wind, he was able to move out with a solid foundation for maintaining his recovery. He spoke about the importance of weekly house meetings, which are essential for life skills such as budgeting, emotional regulation, and work-life balance. With the support of the staff and his peers, he felt fully prepared to continue his recovery journey independently.
Our Impact
Every house represents a new beginning. Every bed represents a second chance. Through stable housing, skill-building, and career pathways, Second Wind helps individuals reclaim their lives, reconnect with their families, and reintegrate successfully into their communities.