[IDEAS Series] Q&A with Nick Tolar, Director of Operations at Eudaimonia Recovery Homes

Site Admin | Posted on August 5, 2019 |

Last Updated on August 11, 2023

Nick Tolar is the Director of Operations at Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, the sister company of Nova Recovery Center. He oversees the general operations of our sober living homes in Austin by ensuring that all residents are held accountable and are given the tools they need to succeed in recovery.

As a person who is in recovery himself, Nick understands firsthand the positive impact that a sober living program can have on someone’s life and he works hard to continually be a good example for Eudaimonia sober living residents. This week, we chatted with Nick about some of the aspects of his job and our sober living program and he happily shared some helpful insight.

As someone in recovery, what kind of impact did a sober living program have on you?

Answer: “Being in sober living created the self-sufficiency, determination, and “adulting” that was needed to become an independent man in life. It created an environment and brotherhood that I needed to be able to connect with other people who were sober too. I didn’t connect well with people back then. The sober living home was tons of fun for me. The rules were the same as normal life rules once the decision was made to stop using.”

Fun facts about Nick:

In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a Viking or a saint.
If I could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve music and driving.
Saved By the Bell was my all-time favorite TV show when growing up. (Don’t judge me.)
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be flying or super strength.

Why should someone pick Eudaimonia among all the other options for sober living homes and halfway houses?

“We offer an environment that encourages long-term sobriety for those that want to stay sober. We know that there are a lot of walks of life and ways to live it as well, which allows us to be open-minded to growing with our economy and our residents. We all are here to help someone get to the next chapter in their life sober and continue to be sober.”

You work very closely with Eudaimonia residents in Austin. Generally speaking, in what ways do you see them change and grow during their time in sober living?

“Watching the residents go from nervous and excited to confused and scared, then come to a middle ground in life is great to watch. Seeing someone struggle with a life choice and then use the 12 step principles to find the answer that they were looking for…AMAZING!!!!!”

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges after rehab and how does sober living help?

“Finding a job – We provide accountability with a three-times-weekly class to help.

Paying Bills – We sit down with residents and help them budget their money.

Continuing step work – We hold each resident accountable to working with a sponsor or give them a nightly review group to be a part of.

Wanting to stay sober and finding things fun to do – We host social events and provide a fun atmosphere. We connect individuals to hang out.”

Eudaimonia hosts social events and activities for residents pretty regularly. What has been your favorite event thus far and why?

“The best event was on Thanksgiving. Eudaimonia provided some of the food, but the residents wanted to pull together and make it a meal to remember with their fellow peers and they did it BIG. They had multiple turkeys cooked different ways, sides that extended out the door, and desserts that I couldn’t even imagine being made any better. We had more than 60 to 70 residents come in throughout the day, hang out, and meet others they didn’t know while eating an amazing meal! The fellowship was great to see!”

If you’d like to learn more about the staff and recovery support services at Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, please call (512) 605-2955 today to speak to an admissions representative.