Founded in 2013 and established in Pahrump in 2017, Living Free Health and Fitness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals recover from addiction through a holistic, structured approach. The organization provides outpatient addiction treatment, state-credentialed transitional living, and therapeutic workplaces through its café and gym.
Unlike many treatment centers, Living Free integrates multiple services under one roof, addressing addiction recovery not only through traditional counseling but also through exercise, nutrition, and community support. Clients in transitional living must adhere to a structured program that includes treatment, 12-step meetings, gym attendance, and a minimum of 20 hours per week of either paid or volunteer work. This accountability-based model helps clients reintegrate into society with a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
“People always talk about rehab, but for many of our clients, there is no ‘re’—they were never ‘habilitated’ to begin with,” said Shelley Poerio, CEO and Founder of Living Free. “A lot of them grew up in households where addiction was the norm. They never learned basic life skills, and we’re here to teach them. We are literally helping them build a life from scratch.”
Shelley Poerio brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to Living Free Health. Having battled addiction herself, she understands firsthand the challenges of recovery. Her sobriety journey began on September 5, 2001, after struggling with alcohol and cocaine addiction. Prior to founding Living Free, she worked as a stockbroker and brokerage principal, but left that high-stress world behind in search of a more meaningful way to contribute to society. Poerio is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor-supervisor and previously held certifications as a master addiction counselor, and a certified fitness trainer. She believes strongly in the connection between physical health and sustained recovery, which is why Living Free incorporates fitness into its treatment model.
DJ Mills, who recently joined Living Free Health, brings both business acumen and nonprofit experience to the organization. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, DJ owned and operated several businesses, including a carpet service and Quality Signs. His passion for helping people led him to work with Nevada Outreach and later at NyE Communities Coalition, where he ran the deflection program helping individuals re-enter society after incarceration. His experience with justice-involved individuals, addiction recovery services, and operational management makes him a crucial asset to Living Free Health. “I’ve always wanted to do more for people who need a second chance,” Mills said. “This role allows me to take what I’ve learned in business and nonprofit work and apply it to a mission that truly changes lives.”
Transitional housing is an integral part of Living Free’s approach, offering a highly structured, supervised environment where clients can rebuild their lives. Peer staff conduct daily check-ins with clients, ensuring they maintain their personal hygiene, household chores, and treatment compliance. In addition to these requirements, clients attend fitness training at the gym three times a week and participate in life skills programs that focus on job training, budgeting, and maintaining healthy relationships.
The organization also offers specialized housing for women and children, one of the only programs of its kind in rural or frontier Nevada. “We have pregnant women, moms with toddlers, and women trying to reunify with their children after CPS involvement,” Poerio explained. “It’s not just about sobriety—it’s about giving these moms the tools they need to be good parents.” Women in the program attend infant care classes, nutrition workshops, and even “Mommy and Me” yoga sessions, creating a supportive environment that fosters healing for both mothers and children.
Living Free also prioritizes community engagement. Their dedicated office suite serves as a space for 12-step meetings run by local groups, and the organization supervises graduate and undergraduate practicum students to promote the development of more clinical professionals in rural Nevada. Beyond addiction recovery, Living Free plays a vital role in supporting individuals reentering society after incarceration, offering transportation assistance for job interviews, medical appointments, and court dates.
Another essential component of Living Free’s impact is its therapeutic workplace model. The café and gym provide clients with employment opportunities in a supportive environment, allowing them to rebuild their confidence and work skills. “Many people in early recovery lack the confidence and esteem they need simply to interact with coworkers and the public,” Poerio said. “In cases like these, washing dishes in the Cafe is a perfect opportunity to feel supported by staff and slowly begin to believe in themselves and their abilities again.”
With its innovative approach to addiction recovery, Living Free Health and Fitness is not just a treatment center—it is a community that offers individuals the tools, structure, and support needed to achieve lasting sobriety.
“We’re not just here to keep people clean for 30 days,” said Mills. “We’re building a foundation for lifelong recovery. The more we invest in these individuals now, the stronger our community becomes in the long run.”
