In the countryside just south of Indianapolis, a rural residential home once stood as the beginning of what would become one of Indiana’s most trusted addiction recovery centers - now celebrating 40 years of service.
What started in 1985 as a personal mission to honor a lost loved one has grown into a beacon of hope for more than 20,000 people seeking help and their families. This is Tara Treatment Center — a place built on compassion, faith and a deep belief in the power of recovery.
A Personal Tragedy Sparks a Lifesaving Mission
The origins of Tara Treatment Center are rooted in Ann Daugherty, a psychiatric nurse and addiction therapist who lost her brother to alcoholism at the age of 36. Driven by both personal grief and professional purpose, Ann turned her own home into an eight-bed residential treatment facility in July 1985. With the help of a grant she had written herself, Tara was born — a place where those struggling with addiction could find safety, structure and the support of a healing community.
From a Home to a Healing Campus
As the need for addiction treatment grew, so did Tara. In 1996, the center became a managed care provider, expanding its services to offer a full continuum of care for both men and women. What began as a modest initiative quickly developed into a comprehensive treatment campus, now spanning 13 acres of tranquil rural land for a men's center. A separate facility for women was later established just minutes away, reinforcing Tara’s commitment to tailored, gender-specific care.
Carrying the Torch: A Family-Led Legacy
Even after being diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2003, Ann continued to serve as Tara’s CEO until July 2006, embodying the resilience and dedication she hoped to inspire in others. Upon stepping down, leadership passed to her daughter, Theresa Matthews, who had been involved in the center since its earliest days. Ann passed away in 2008, but her spirit and values remain central to Tara’s operations and culture.
A Philosophy Rooted in Recovery and Respect
Tara’s approach to treatment is both holistic and spiritual. The center believes that God is the ultimate healer, and that addiction recovery requires more than just physical sobriety—it demands personal transformation, emotional healing, and community support. Core values such as honesty, hard work, trust and commitment guide every aspect of care, from clinical programming to peer support.
The emphasis on a family-style environment — where staff and residents build real relationships — sets Tara apart. Clients are encouraged to take responsibility for their recovery while being supported by a compassionate team dedicated to their success.
The Numbers Behind the Mission
In the four decades of service, Tara has:
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Helped more than 20,000 clients begin their journey to recovery.
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Built a vibrant alumni network of nearly 600 active members.
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Maintained Joint Commission accreditation, a mark of clinical excellence and safety.
These numbers reflect more than just longevity — they tell the story of lives changed, families reunited, and futures restored.
Looking Ahead to the Next 40 Years
Today, Tara Treatment Center remains a trusted name in addiction recovery throughout Indiana and beyond. With a strong leadership team, a dedicated staff and a clear mission, Tara continues to honor Ann Daugherty’s original vision: to offer a safe, spiritually grounded, and community-centered space where healing from addiction is truly possible.
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