ABOUT SALVATION ARMY ADULT REHABILITATION CENTER – BIRMINGHAM
Set in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) offers complimentary shelter and residential treatment for adult men facing chemical dependency. The Salvation Army is one of Alabama’s 81 private, non-profit treatment organizations, and it also provides shelters for the homeless, workforce training, job placement assistance, and transitional housing after successful completion of treatment. Detox services are not available on-site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The treatment process at the Salvation Army is rooted in Christian spiritual principles. During treatment, clients engage in religious studies, work therapy, and group counseling. Active worship participation is expected throughout treatment.
Clients also participate in work therapy and vocational training through the organization’s thrift stores, which support the program. Vocational training is only offered at 38.6% of treatment facilities in the United States. Clients work in different positions in the store to develop new work skills and prepare for employment after treatment.
Most applicants are admitted within a few days, and the average length of stay is six to nine months. Individual and group counseling, spiritual guidance, and life skills development are integrated into the treatment. Clients also have leisure time.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The Birmingham SAARC is staffed by administrative personnel and group leaders. Former and current clients also offer mentorship to other members. This peer mentorship is provided in 61% of Alabama’s facilities. Volunteers are involved in treatment and appropriate community events. The four individuals surveyed by Best-rehabs.com appreciated the competence of the staff members.
Staff Experience and Training: 4/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Salvation Army ARC in downtown Birmingham provides clients with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. Transportation is provided for work therapy in the thrift stores. The four individuals surveyed by Best-rehabs.com commended the facility’s cleanliness.
Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 4.5/5
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The three alumni surveyed by Best-rehabs.com about the Birmingham location of the Salvation Army mostly gave positive feedback. One anonymous alum, who rated the facility four stars for exercise and leisure activities and visitor policy, wrote: “If you are serious about getting sober and come from a Christian home, then this is a great place for you.” Another alum, M.B., gave a five-star rating for the respect shown to clients and stated: “The facility gave me a new outlook on life. My priorities took the place of substances.” Edward, another alum, awarded five stars for the emphasis on faith-based programming and the likelihood of recommending the facility, saying: “The work therapy program is a great component.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The sole family member surveyed by Best-rehabs.com also praised the facility, giving four-star ratings for discharge planning, the likelihood of recommendation, and the ability to treat co-occurring disorders. They wrote: “She was able to get in on an emergency basis and the treatment went very smoothly.”
FINANCING
All services provided by the Salvation Army are free of charge. Costs are covered by proceeds from the Salvation Army thrift stores in the area, as well as community donations. The Salvation Army is one of six organizations in Alabama offering free treatment.
CONCLUSION
The Salvation Army’s commitment to helping the poor, the needy, and the community continues. Numerous programs are underway, with new ones planned every month. Many of these programs involve providing community members with essential resources, such as food and clothing, through charity drives. Additionally, many branches of the Salvation Army collaborate with volunteers to ensure they have everything they need to thrive.