ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY ERIE ADULT REHABILITATION CENTER
The Salvation Army, a Christian-based, charitable organization, operates numerous Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC) across the United States. The Adult Rehabilitation Center of Erie, PA, is a long-term residential program designed for adult men struggling with substance abuse issues. Residents must commit to at least six months of treatment.
Although the program does not offer medical detoxification, it does offer a social detoxification program, which provides support and guidance during the withdrawal process.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The Adult Rehabilitation Center’s program involves four major components: counseling, education, spiritual guidance, and work therapy. During treatment, residents participate in a schedule of individual and group counseling, as well as attend substance abuse education classes. Involvement in 12-step programs may also be incorporated into treatment.
As a Christian-based program, the spiritual component of treatment includes informal spiritual groups, chapel services, spiritual retreats, morning devotions, and Bible classes. This spirituality of the program may also be incorporated into the principles and practices of 12-Step.
In addition to core programming, work therapy and life skills training play important roles in treatment. Designed to provide a foundation for successful community reintegration, residents assist in Salvation Army’s day-to-day operations, such as performing various tasks at the organization’s thrift stores.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
There is currently no information provided on the facility’s website or otherwise regarding its treatment staff; however, the six individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date on Salvation Army Erie’s staff’s level of training and experience gave an average 2.3- out of five-star rating.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
No specific information is available on the facility’s website concerning the accommodations and amenities of the program; however, the six individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date on the facility’s accommodations and amenities averaged 3.7 out of five stars.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The two alumni reviews to date cited mixed opinions. One alum provided a one- out of five-star rating for the overall treatment effectiveness, while the other provided a perfect five-star rating.
While one alum cited the faith-based approach as a program strength, alum Scott, who provided a one-star rating for effectiveness, reported to Rehab.com: “I truly believe that it is only a Workcamp. I would also like to say that it is a great transition for homelessness but it is not a drug and alcohol facility.”
Despite their divided opinions, both agreed that the weaknesses were the center’s holistic offerings and connectivity/visitor policy (each giving just one out of five stars for both criteria), and family participation, with one three-star review and one one-star review.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Unlike other reviewers, the sole loved one who completed a Best-rehabs.com survey felt the accommodations and meals were a program weakness, commenting: “Poor food choices, and bedroom was rundown.” The loved one also provided a generally neutral opinion of most aspects of the program. “I attended several meetings with my loved one but I don’t think it help him. I believed that some of the staff was not as dedicated as others,” this individual wrote to Best-rehabs.com.
WHAT STAFF SAY
Although employee feedback indicated staff members felt the program was overall beneficial, citing the Christian approach as a strength, some questioned the level of experience and knowledge of counselors, giving them an average of 1.6 out of five stars. One wrote that they believed the program was “run tooo much like a jail.”
One staff member told Best-rehabs.com: “I worked for the facility in the retail dept that funds the program. I have seen a lot of ‘repeaters’ in the program.” However, another employee felt the program does help clients obtain employment upon completion.
FINANCING
Services are provided free of charge. All costs are funded by proceeds from the area’s Salvation Army thrift stores.