ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY RESCUE MISSION
Located in Tustin, Calif., 10 miles south of Anaheim, Orange County Rescue Mission provides a faith-based, long-term transitional housing program for homeless individuals recovering from chemical dependency and co-occurring mental health disorders. Through the organization’s Village of Hope, an expansive, campus-like complex, the Rescue Mission facilitates a variety of services. Children are also welcomed. The facility does not provide on-site detoxification, and applicants are drug tested before admission.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Before beginning treatment, clients may undergo an initial biopsychosocial assessment to determine individual needs. Rescue Mission’s programming blends work-therapy, vocational training, educational workshops, counseling, and faith-based activities to promote lasting sobriety, self-sufficiency, and spiritual growth. The Village of Hope provides a comprehensive, four-phase program that may last up to two years, depending on the progress of the individual.
During each phase of the program, clients have access to medical care, mental health services, individual counseling, case management services, worship services, and leisure time. In addition, parents with children participate in a range of activities through the facility’s Parenting and Child Enrichment Center. Along with parenting classes, the center provides on-site childcare for parents when necessary.
During Phase 1, clients begin a full-time job position on the grounds, as well as attend three weekly educational classes, scheduled counseling sessions, and weekly chapel services. Clients must also complete assignments in a series of discipleship workbooks. Residents may not leave the grounds for their first six months.
After satisfactory completion of Phase 1, clients transition into Phase 2, which prepares residents for employment within the community.. While participating in groups and chapel as their schedule allows, clients also attend workshops through the campus’s Success Center. These workshops focus on career exploration, skill application, managing interviews, creating applications and resumes, and other skills necessary for obtaining a job.
Once the resident is prepared, the individual begins to actively search for a job. Residents may also explore enrolling to school or a vocational training program. After obtaining employment, the individual transitions into Phase 3. During Phase 3, clients must maintain their full-time job and comply with Success Center requirements. As certain milestones are met, residents begin to prepare for graduation, which may entail locating stable housing, budgeting for expenses, setting-up childcare, and obtaining transportation.
Once a client indicates a desire and ability to be self-sufficient, they transition into Phase 4, which is graduation. Typically, residents complete the program between 18 and 24 months.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Village of Hope employs a large multidisciplinary team comprised of physicians, licensed professional counselors, social workers, chaplains, case managers, child psychologists, and childcare specialists. The facility also partners with community professionals and volunteers who provide specialized services, such as dentists and career specialists.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Set on a decommissioned military base, Village of Hope’s facility is a large, campus-like development that spans over 150,000 square feet of facilities, set over five acres. Residents sleep in two restored barracks, which can accommodate up to 192 individuals. The expansive grounds feature a 288-seat chapel and auditorium, the Parenting and Child Enrichment Center, the Success Center, two basketball courts, a children’s playground area, a hair salon, and a large community garden, which provides produce for the kitchen during the summer.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The one alum polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing praised almost all components of the facility. Out of five stars, the survey respondent gave perfect five-star ratings for the facility’s counseling options, the level of family participation, and the staff’s level of experience and training. “They help you with a place to live and transportation and even helping you go back to school,” alum M.T. wrote.
Secondary sources strongly agreed with this positive assessment of the facility. On Google reviews, 38 individuals awarded the facility an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars. Many reviewers praised the quality of the campus and the facility’s staff. “Changes lives and gives people hope,” Daniel, a representative reviewer, wrote.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Although Best-rehabs.com has yet to receive feedback from loved ones to date, secondary sources also revealed very positive opinions among friends and family. On the facility’s Facebook page, which Rescue Mission can manage, 122 individuals gave the facility an average rating of 4.7 out of five stars. “The OCRM VOH saved our family and our relationship with GOD saved our lives,” David, a representative reviewer, wrote.
FINANCING
As a facility that specializes in treating homeless individuals, Village of Hope is largely supported by private donations. However, once a client is employed, the facility may require residents to pay a small percentage of earnings once able.
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