Washington Alliance
for Quality Recovery Residences
About Us
Our dedicated team is at the heart of everything. With a shared passion for supporting recovery residence operators and the individuals they serve, our staff works tirelessly to uphold the highest standards in recovery housing across Washington State. From advocacy and accreditation to outreach and education, each team member brings unique skills and expertise that contribute to WAQRR's mission of fostering safe, supportive recovery environments. Get to know the people who make it all possible!
Meet the Team
Jason Bliss is the Executive Director of the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR), an organization founded in 2017 to promote the development of high-quality, community-based recovery residences in Washington. With over a decade of experience in recovery, Jason previously served as the Regional State Coordinator for Oxford House, Inc. His leadership extends to multiple boards, and he has collaborated with a wide range of partners, including substance abuse organizations, law enforcement, drug courts, and the Department of Corrections, to strengthen the recovery network throughout the state. Jason's commitment to building sustainable recovery communities is central to WAQRR's mission.
Jason Bliss
Executive Director
509-430-1155
jason@waqrr.org
Accreditation Team
Briana Yocum
Director of Accreditation & Professional Development
360-663-5943
certification@waqrr.org
Sarah Karr
Assistant of Accreditation
425-535-2747
sarah@waqrr.org
The Accreditation Team at WAQRR is dedicated to ensuring that recovery residences meet the highest standards of care and safety. Through a thorough evaluation process, the team works closely with operators to guide them through accreditation, offering expert support and resources every step of the way. Their mission is to help create environments that foster long-term recovery and well-being, ensuring that each residence is a safe, ethical, and supportive space for residents to heal and thrive.
Grant Administration
Roddie Plante
Director of Grant Administration
509-212-4540
rrgrant@waqrr.org
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Joci Sherrill
Grant Administrative Assistant
509-957-6121
joci@waqrr.org
The Grants Team, led by Roddie and Joci, is dedicated to helping eligible applicants secure funding for the creation and implementation of new Level II or Level III Recovery Residences. They assist applicants in navigating the funding process, ensuring compliance with WAQRR’s guidelines. Eligible uses of funds include rent, personnel costs, utilities, food, equipment, insurance, and more, with the goal of supporting sustainable recovery housing. Roddie and Joci ensure that all awarded entities are accredited by WAQRR or licensed by the Department of Health, helping to build a network of quality recovery residences across Washington State.
Support Staff
Blair Gaston
Marketing and Engagement Coordinator
Reporting Manager
360-470-8627
blair@waqrr.org
Kenzie Burch
Administrative Assistant
509-430-1155
kenzie@waqrr.org
The Support Staff at WAQRR is essential to the organization's success. Blair, our Marketing and Engagement Coordinator and Reporting Manager, leads our outreach efforts and serves as the primary contact for accredited providers’ Provider Activity Reports. Blair also manages the processing of resident funding applications, ensuring providers and residents receive the necessary support. Kenzie, our Administrative Assistant, expertly handles the influx of calls and emails, ensuring that inquiries are addressed promptly and efficiently. Together, Blair and Kenzie ensure smooth operations and effective communication within WAQRR and with the community.
Our Story
The Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) was founded in 2017 by a group of recovery residence operators, advocates, and stakeholders who shared a vision for ensuring safe, ethical, and supportive housing for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Recognizing the critical need for accountability and quality standards in recovery housing, the founders set out to create an organization that would not only provide accreditation but also foster a collaborative community of operators committed to excellence.
Over the years, WAQRR has grown into a trusted leader in the field, developing rigorous accreditation standards and offering valuable resources to help recovery residence operators maintain high-quality, well-managed homes. Our organization works hand-in-hand with local and state agencies, as well as national partners, to advocate for the needs of recovery residences and the individuals who rely on them.
From our grassroots beginnings to becoming a statewide leader in recovery housing, WAQRR has remained focused on our core mission: supporting operators in creating environments where individuals can heal, grow, and rebuild their lives. Today, we continue to evolve, offering training, grants, rental assistance, and other supports that help recovery residence operators thrive while enhancing the well-being of the residents they serve.
Board of Directors
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