The Welcome Home Program
Getting people to give up drugs will only work if they learn how to live successfully without drugs
The Welcome Home Program (WHP) not only helps students (Welcome Home residents are termed students) to overcome bad habits, but it is also designed so they adopt a complete new lifestyle. Such drastic change cannot be achieved during a few months; that would only be a “band-aid solution”. To expect a person without proper life and job skills and/or a long history of substance abuse to be turned around in a few months is unrealistic. In fact, remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is crucial for treatment effectiveness. Therefore, each candidate must commit to stay in the Program until he has developed the inner strength to overcome life’s many challenges and be able to lead a successful life as a contributing member of society. There is no time limit to stay at Welcome Home, each student will advance at his own pace; however, the minimum length of time is two years. Research has repeatedly confirmed that a shorter period of time will likely result in a relapse, and Welcome Home's objective is...
The WHP is designed to advance students through three progressive levels.
Level One:
The primary objective of the entry level is to assimilate students into the Welcome Home community. Students start with lower level chores and jobs. All advancements and privileges must be earned. Level one students are assigned an escort at all times. Since friends and/or family members often trigger negative reactions, all visits and phone calls are limited and monitored. When students are immersed in every aspect of the Program, they are advanced to Level 2.Level Two:
Level 2 students enjoy greater freedom and privileges. With permission, they may leave the facility for short periods of time to go to permitted places, for specific reasons. They are expected to set an example in attitude, responsibility, and performance as well as obtain their General Education Diploma (GED) and participate in furthering their knowledge and/or education.Level Three:
The senior period is designed to prepare students for graduation from the WHP and independent living. They must provide leadership in the Program and are given maximum privileges, including overnight passes. When they have developed acceptable social behavior and lifestyle together with the needed work ethic for future steady employment, they are assisted in securing a job. Once employment is obtained, students are ready to graduate. While working at new jobs, graduates may stay at Welcome Home free-of-charge for two months to save money for living accommodations, furniture, etc.
Graduates receive a $5,000 grant and leave equipped with the ability to retain jobs, nurture families, manage their finances, and the inner strength to successfully handle life’s challenges. They take their rightful place in the community as they have changed from “takers” to “contributors”.
As alumni, students are encouraged to have life-long association with Welcome Home to garner renewed strength, to secure sobriety, and to motivate current students.
