ABOUT BRIDGES OF HOPE — ALAMO
Founded in 1986 as a charitable trust, Bridges of Hope now operates five long-term residential treatment facilities in Georgia, including the Alamo center, the organization’s only facility exclusively for women. The center is located on 10 acres in rural central Georgia, between Savannah and Macon.
The center does not offer detox or treatment for dually diagnosed individuals — though it may be able to provide referrals to detox facilities. The center cannot admit those with a history of violence.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Treatment is strongly based on the 12-Steps, but although Bridges of Hope subscribes to the spiritual components of the 12-step program, the organization is not affiliated with any particular religious orientation or institution. Bridges of Hope’s website notes that the organization does not provide medical or professional counseling services.
Instead, Bridges of Hope describes itself as a “working facility,” meaning that all clients are required to work on-site every day: all chores, daily upkeep, and gardening are the responsibility of residents. Clients also participate in 12-Step meetings both on- and off-site, and occasionally complete community service commitments off-site as well. Also on the daily schedule are morning devotionals, sessions spent studying the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and small group meetings.
Through a rigorous routine and time spent living closely with others, Bridges of Hope aims to help its residents see the value of discipline and teamwork.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The center does not employ medical or mental health professionals. There is currently no further information provided by the facility regarding its treatment staff, however, the single individual polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave the center two out of five stars for its staff’s level of training and experience.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The center houses up to 44 residents at a time in simple, sparsely furnished dormitories. There’s also a vegetable garden, a greenhouse, woods, and plenty of green space.
Residents may only have reading materials relating to the 12-Steps and other recovery institutions. Electronics such as cell phones and iPods are banned. The facility also bans “mood-altering” medications, such as “night-time” over-the-counter medications. The center’s website also notes that there are restrictions on recreation and visitation.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The single alum polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave mostly positive feedback. “12 steps worked for me. Kept me away from old playmates. No holistic options, no counseling… Tough love,” alum Jessica wrote, indicating that she would recommend the center. Jessica went on to give the facility the maximum five-star rating for its treatment effectiveness, but just two stars for its holistic offerings and counseling options, and one star for its treatment for co-occurring disorders.
At the time of this writing, secondary review sites yielded mostly positive feedback, in the form of 4.43 out of five stars from seven ratings on the facility’s Facebook page.[1] “Life changing you will find peace , you will be on a journey,” Lisa wrote in the only one of those ratings to include any commentary.
Additionally, there are three ratings on Google to date for Bridges of Hope. While one reviewer gave just one out of five stars, the other two gave perfect five-star ratings.[2] “Saved my life,” wrote Justin.
WHAT STAFF SAY
At the time of this writing, Bridges of Hope (as a whole, as opposed to this facility in particular) had a one-star rating and a two-star rating on employment review site Glassdoor.[3] Both reviewers cited disorganization at the facility: “Patients’ files were missing notes and treatment plans,” one anonymous former employee wrote. The same reviewer described a lack of appropriate furnishings and staff being hired without adequate background checks, though these allegations are not corroborated by the other reviewer. The other reviewer did, however, note that the facility works to keep its staff up-to-date with training.
FINANCING
Bridges of Hope does not accept insurance, though the cost of treatment is subsidized by donations and charitable contributions. Residents must bring payment for the first month of treatment when they check in.[1]
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