Tamber Manor

Pros

• The staff are extremely accommodating and helpful from detox through therapy.
• The facility is friendly, with plentiful services and great food.
• Therapists, including Alaina, are compassionate, attentive, and capable.
• Jen, the Facility Administrator, is caring and wise.
• The staff are empathetic and knowledgeable about addiction.
• Duke the on-site therapy dog adds warmth and compassion.
• The program gives lasting hope and helps clients realize their capabilities.
• The peer community is supportive and uplifting.
• StepWorks is a strong first step to recovery and truly works.
• Completing the program can restart and sustain sobriety with continuing care.

Cons

• One reviewer described the facility as nothing but a glorified homeless shelter, claiming many residents smoke, lack cigarettes, and that disruptive clients alienate others and hinder recovery.
• Another reviewer said detox there was horrible and warned not to go for detox, calling the medical staff a joke and noting they had to go to the ER.
• A reviewer stated that the place is not for everyone and accused a staff member, Laura, of irresponsibility, saying she put their life in danger by refusing to call for help and lying, leading to an ER visit.

Review

StepWorks in Nicholasville, Kentucky seems to be a place that many people come away from with a sense of having found a solid starting point for recovery. Across numerous experiences, clients describe a journey that begins with a helpful, accommodating staff and carries them through detox, programming, and ongoing therapeutic work. The environments are portrayed as friendly and supportive, with plenty of services, a well-fed, cared-for atmosphere, and the kinds of practical skills that can help someone transition back into daily life - cooking for oneself, handling basic chores, and engaging in classes that are described as easy to comprehend. For many, the core feeling is that StepWorks provides not just a temporary shelter, but a structured path toward renewed purpose and competence.

A central thread in the stories is the people who staff and lead the program. One reviewer highlights Alaina, their therapist, as patient, compassionate, and deeply attentive to what they needed. Jen, the Facility Administrator, is remembered as a sweet, thoughtful presence who offered valuable guidance. The broader staff are described as empathetic and well-versed in addiction, with backgrounds in different areas of care that give them a broad readiness to meet various needs. Beyond humans, the facility's therapy dogs also make a big impression. Duke, a devoted four-legged helper, and an outgoing ESA dog nicknamed "Puppy," are praised for their calming, loving influence and their ability to keep the atmosphere warm and hopeful. The combination of skilled therapists, supportive administrators, and comforting animals helps create what many call a safe, rehabilitative space where clients feel seen as people rather than just patients.

The day-to-day experience is painted as structured and practical, with many reviewers noting features that reinforce accountability and community. There are routine classroom-style classes and regular chores, including cooking duties that rotate among participants, which means the people cooking their own meals are also eating them and thus invested in quality. A full, well-stocked kitchen is cited as a nice plus, and the daily structure - balanced with moments of levity such as group activities in the evenings - helps maintain a steady rhythm. Some reviews mention specifics like smoking breaks, rooms limited to two per person, and the sense that the program is built to foster independence and responsibility, not dependency. The overall message is that the environment respects clients as adults who can be trusted to participate, learn, and grow.

A recurring theme is the power of peer connection and personal growth. Several accounts emphasize the "brotherhood" or strong sense of community that forms among clients, with people lifting each other up as they work through the program. Completing a 30-day inpatient stay is described as a life-changing experience that reveals new strengths and a clearer sense of self. For some, this lead-in time becomes the foundation for a longer recovery arc, with referrals to continuing care options such as Roaring Brook IOP in Lexington and sober living arrangements. The journey is framed as more than just about staying sober; it's about discovering who you are and what you're capable of, while building meaningful relationships with others who understand the struggle.

Testimonials also reflect a broad spectrum of outcomes and experiences, including several strongly positive ones. Reviewers repeatedly credit individual counselors (for example, Annie) and a supportive staff for their honesty, straightforward guidance, and consistent care. Peer supporters like Juanita and Eva are singled out for their effectiveness, and multiple voices emphasize that the team's genuine care makes people feel understood and valued. For many, StepWorks is described as the place that helped them see a better version of themselves, with gratitude directed toward staff members such as Becca, Laura, and Hannah, who are remembered for their warmth and for helping people feel loved and supported through the process.

That said, not every review is glowing, and some voices voice serious cautions. A few reviewers describe StepWorks as not being a fit for everyone, noting that success heavily depends on personal commitment and following the program's rules. One account characterizes the facility as "not for everyone," citing issues with some staff behavior and a culture around smoking and disruption that can hinder others' focus. There are also direct criticisms about the detox experience and medical care, with one reviewer warning others to be wary of detox conditions and another describing a negative interaction with medical staff that led to an ER visit. A particularly pointed critique mentions a staff member by name, describing an incident where help was not sought promptly and the danger to the reviewer's life, a claim that prompted involvement from corporate oversight. These perspectives remind readers that even in generally positive environments, experiences can vary and depend on individual circumstances and staff dynamics.

Despite the mixed feedback, the prevailing sentiment is that StepWorks offers a powerful, transformative starting point for many people seeking recovery. The program's emphasis on accountability, supportive relationships, practical life skills, and structured daily routines resonates with those who are ready to engage deeply with the process. The positive stories - of compassionate staff, life-changing conversations, the comfort of therapy dogs, the sense of belonging in a supportive community, and the move from inpatient care to ongoing support - paint a picture of an organization that, for many, can change the trajectory of a life affected by addiction. For those considering StepWorks, these accounts suggest approaching the program with a willingness to participate fully, to lean into the hard work, and to trust the process while remaining mindful of personal needs and boundaries.

This part of Nicholasville, Kentucky offers a variety of medical facilities including physicians offices such as Hometown Pediatrics and UK HealthCare Jessamine Eye Center. There are also several pharmacies in the area like Drug Mart and Walmart Pharmacy for convenient access to medication. For recreation, there are parks like Downtown Green and Camp Nelson National Monument nearby. In terms of dining options, there are restaurants such as Great Wall Chinese Restaurant and Asuka Japanese Steak House & Sushi available. Places of worship like Mt Freedom Baptist Church and Lexington Family Church provide spiritual support, while cafes like Starbucks offer a relaxing environment to enjoy a cup of coffee. If needed, there are hospitals like Central Baptist Hospital within a reasonable distance for medical emergencies. Additionally, transportation options include Blue Grass Airport for easy travel access. Overall, this area provides a range of amenities that would be beneficial for seniors looking to live comfortably in Nicholasville.

Physicians

• Ulanday Juan MD (2.1 miles)
• Hometown Pediatrics (3.2 miles)
• Jessamine Medical Center (3.2 miles)
• UK HealthCare Jessamine Eye Center (3.6 miles)
• Baptist Health Neurology-Dr Winkley (7.2 miles)
• Lexington Family Eye Care (9.1 miles)
• Fayette Eye Care & Dry Eye Spa (9.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Drug Mart (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Sims Drugs (2.7 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (8.4 miles)

Parks

• Downtown Green (2.7 miles)
• Camp Nelson National Monument (6.3 miles)
• Shillito Park (8.5 miles)
• Veterans Park (8.9 miles)
• Wellington Dog Park (9.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Great Wall Chinese Restaurant (2.7 miles)
• McDonald's (6.9 miles)
• Asuka Japanese Steak House & Sushi (7 miles)
• Jake's Cigar Bar L (7 miles)
• Drake's (7.1 miles)
• Shaker Village Trustees' House (7.8 miles)
• Banners (7.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Mt Freedom Baptist Church (2.8 miles)
• Lexington Family Church (2.8 miles)
• Southland Christian Church (6.5 miles)
• Christ United Methodist Church (8.9 miles)
• Centenary United Methodist Church (11.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (9.1 miles)
• Starbucks (9.8 miles)
• Cafe Central (11.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Central Baptist Hospital (7.2 miles)
• Halo-8 (8 miles)
• Central Baptist Hospital (10.1 miles)

Transportation

• Blue Grass Airport (LEX) (11 miles)
• Delta Air Lines Ticket Counter (11 miles)