ABOUT AGAPE HOUSE OF PARAGOULD
Located in rural northeastern Arkansas just outside of the Greene County seat, Agape House of Paragould provides a long-term, residential treatment program for adult women struggling with substance use disorders. Women participate in 12-step programming as well as Christian faith-based education and employment preparation. Some residents are involved in the court system. No detox or dual diagnosis services are available on-site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Agape House of Paragould adheres to a therapeutic community model of recovery, which relies on accountability, peer support, and structured schedules to help residents modify behavior. Information on the facility’s website indicates that a full program lasts up to eight months, which is developed over five phases of increased responsibility.
Treatment is based largely in educational and group processing sessions, including bible study and a 90-day faith-based curriculum called Overcomes, which incorporates 12-step concepts. Program phases move from acclimation to the residential schedule and principles, through mentoring new residents, pursuing employment or schooling, and reconnecting with families, as well as local religious and recovery support groups.
Along with 12-step involvement and faith-based instruction, clients have the opportunity to obtain their GED, learn parenting skills, and develop tools for job searching and interviewing that promotes self-sufficiency upon discharge.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its treatment staff. The Agape House Paragould website does note that volunteers teach some bible studies and life skills classes, and the one individual polled by Best-rehabs.com to date awarded five out of five stars for the staff’s level of training and experience.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Photos and videos published on the Agape House of Paragould website feature an accessible house with shared bedrooms and a large vegetable garden. Space appears to accommodate about 10 residents, and group studies are held in common areas of the house. Overcomers classes and meetings are open to local attendees, and the women attend a local church.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Feedback for Agape House of Paragould from former clients was close to unanimously favorable at the time of this writing. The sole alum polled by Best-rehabs.com gave moderate ratings for accommodations and a maximum five stars for overall treatment effectiveness. “Treatment was great but meals and accommodations could have been better,” the alum wrote. On Google reviews, three individuals awarded the facility five out of five-star ratings, though did not elaborate on their experience[1].
Similarly, on the facility’s unofficial Facebook page, more than 90% of 42 individuals rated the facility five out of five stars. Most reviewers focused on what clients learned and how their lives were positively changed in the long-term program. Several thanked a specific staff member, mentioned their commitment to “giving back” after graduating, or reported reconnecting with family. In a representative review, alum J.C. highlighted the religious focus and welcoming feeling, writing, “Very down to earth ..friendly. Christian oriented. It’s more like a home …not cold & institutionalize like most Rehab facilities.”[2]
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The sole loved one polled by Best-rehabs.com supported the positive opinions expressed by others, describing the facility as a “loving Christian home.” Although citing a need for more one-on-one counseling, the reviewer offered a four-star rating for the facility’s counseling options and perfect five-star rating for the level of family participation. Data also indicated satisfaction with accommodations, based on a five-star rating for the facility’s cleanliness and upkeep.
On Facebook, the only criticisms were from non-clients who had difficulty getting in touch with a staff member.
FINANCING
There is currently no information provided on the facility’s website regarding its costs. The facility’s website, however, indicates that the Agape House of Paragould is supported by fundraising efforts and donations. The one individual polled by Best-rehabs.com on affordability of treatment awarded a five-star rating for this metric.
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