ABOUT WATERFRONT RESCUE MISSION
Founded in 1949 as an independent, Christian organization, The Waterfront Rescue Mission (WRM) in Pensacola, Florida offers a residential program for men struggling with poverty and substance abuse. The substance abuse recovery program is operated within a shelter that also provides food, temporary housing, education, career development, and spiritual support to men, women, and children. The WRM is part of a network that includes seven resale stores in the Gulf Coast region.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Any man without stable housing who wants to live a sober life may interview to receive treatment. The Waterfront program is “rooted in the Gospel,” according to its website, and offers Bible-based counseling in individual and group sessions. One of the main goals of treatment is to help men to understand and address what the facility calls “life-dominating” issues which may contribute to their current circumstances.
The seven-month recovery program also functions as a work experience program, providing opportunities for men to work toward their GEDs, develop skills for long-term careers, and connect with local businesses who have hired WRM graduates. The staff also assists clients in accessing specialized care and services from community resources.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its treatment staff. However, the few alumni reviews of the center that are available almost unanimously praise its staff.
The one alum polled by Best-rehabs.com to date, N.E.B., rated all metrics measuring staff quality five out of five stars, including staff training and experience, availability, and the respect shown to clients. He referenced staff members’ advanced degrees and low pay, writing in conclusion: “It’s a heart thing.”
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
As many as 200 men receive services at the Waterfront Rescue Mission at any one time. On the facility’s website, the most emphasized activity is sessions with alumni who return to share their stories of recovery. Christian religious services are also featured, and are open to men of any faith. While participating in rehabilitation, clients have access to a community clinic for medical care
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The sole alum who responded to a Best-rehabs.com survey gave most of the 15 metrics perfect five ratings star, including the facility’s cleanliness, its visitor policy, and safety. Exercise, leisure, and holistic offerings received three-star ratings.
The 68 Google reviews averaged a 3.6 out of five-star rating. Many reviews were broadly positive, but some alum criticized the religious aspects of the facilty, while others complained about the state of the facility itself with one alum writing “it’s a dump.”
On the mission’s official Facebook page, which the facility may have the ability to control, Waterfront has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars from 59 reviews. In a representative Facebook review, Lance especially praised “all the chaplains that helped in my recovery.”
FINANCING
According to its website, all recovery services are free, and the facility accepts donations and welcomes volunteers. It is one of 36% of Florida facilities that offers treatment at no charge for clients who cannot pay. The facility is also supported by revenue gained through its thrift stores.
CONCLUSION
Financial challenges have led to the closing of some programming. A March 2016 Pensacola News Journal article reported that due to decreased funding from its recycling program, some transitional work services have been affected.