ABOUT SALVATION ARMY ADULT REHABILITATION CENTER – BIRMINGHAM
Set in downtown Birmingham, Ala., the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) provides free shelter and residential treatment for adult mens struggling with chemical dependency. The Salvation Army is one of Alabama’s 81 private, non-profit treatment organizations, and it also offers shelters for the homeless, workforce training, job placement assistance, and transitional housing once a client has successfully completed treatment. Detox services are not offered on-site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The treatment process at the Salvation Army based on Christian spiritual principles. During treatment, clients participate in a series of religious studies, work therapy, and group counseling. Clients are expected to participate in worship activities throughout treatment.
Clients also participate in work therapy and vocational training through the organization’s thrift stores that help support the program. Vocational training is only found in 38.6% of U.S. treatment facilities. Clients work in various positions in the store to develop new work skills and prepare for employment after treatment.
Most who apply are admitted within a couple of days, and the average stay lasts six to nine months. Clients partake in individual and group counseling during treatment. Spiritual guidance, and life skills development also factor into treatment. Clients have time for leisure activities as well.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The Birmingham SAARC is staffed by administrative personnel and group leaders. The organization also accepts help from former and current clients who offer mentorship for other members, which is found in 61% of Alabama’s facilities. Volunteers are also involved in treatment and community events where appropriate. The four individual polled by Best-rehabs.com appreciated the aptitude of staff members.
Staff Experience and Training: 4/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Salvation Army ARC in downtown Birmingham provides clients with the essentials including food, clothing, and shelter. Transportation is also provided to work therapy in the thrift stores. The four individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date appreciated the facility’s overall cleanliness.
Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 4.5/5
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The three alumni alum polled by Best-rehabs.com about the Birmingham location of the Salvation Army offered mostly positive feedback. Offering four-star ratings for the facility’s exercise and leisure activities and visitor policy, one anonymous alum wrote: “If you are serious about getting sober, and come from a Christian home, then this is a great place for you.”
Offering a five-star rating for the respect shown to clientele, alum M.B. wrote: “Facility gave me a new outlook on life. My priorities took the place of substances.” Alum Edward offered five stars for the emphasizes on faith-based programming and for the likelihood he’d recommend the facility, writing: “Work therapy program is a great component.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The sole family member polled by Best-rehabs.com to date also praised the facility, offering four-star ratings for the facility’s discharge planning, the likelihood they’d recommend the facility, and its ability to treat co-occurring disorders. “She was able to get in on an emergency basis and the treatment went very smoothly,” the loved one wrote.
FINANCING
All of the services provided by the Salvation Army are provided free of charge. All costs are funded by proceeds from the area’s Salvation Army thrift stores as well as donations from the community. The Salvation Army is one of six organizations in Alabama to offer free treatment.
CONCLUSION
The Salvation Army’s efforts to help the poor, the needed, and the community at large are ongoing. Various programs are underway with new ones being planned every month. Many of these programs include providing community members with missing resources such as food and clothing through charity drives. Many branches of the Salvation Army also work with volunteers to help them get everything that they need to keep going.