Jace

Jace, the director of Herbert House Sober Living Environment, is a compassionate figure devoted to helping people with addiction and alcoholism. His importance in Nic’s story lies in both the sustained support he offers during recovery and the practical guidance he gives the family when Nic is again in danger.

Director of Herbert House

Jace leads Herbert House Sober Living Environment, a sober-living community in Culver City. The house consists of whitewashed bungalows around a courtyard, and its routine includes strict rules, chores, and nightly meetings. Nic settles there, makes friends among the other residents, and becomes especially close to Jace, whose work helping people with addiction has made him a trusted presence in the house.

Support for Nic’s Recovery

Jace’s support forms part of the broader network around Nic in Los Angeles. Nic also attends an outpatient program, meets with a psychiatrist, and participates in Alcoholics Anonymous. The book presents Jace as someone Nic cares about and can remain close to while building a recovery routine; it does not detail specific counseling sessions between them.

Guidance During Crisis

When Nic’s father is trying to determine where Nic might receive treatment, he calls Jace, who knows Nic, cares about him, and is familiar with rehabilitation programs. Jace recommends getting Nic out of Los Angeles and into inpatient care for at least three or four months, preferably longer. He identifies Hazelden as an especially strong, though expensive, option. When that plan becomes uncertain, Jace makes further calls and returns with the name of a hospital in the San Fernando Valley where Nic can detox. His advice gives Nic’s father a concrete next step, although the decision still depends on whether Nic will agree to go.