Counseling – Support Groups – Spiritual Training – Work Therapy – Contact “Blackout”

During this initial stage, participants receive professional clinical counseling, attend support and accountability meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous, and begin a spiritual 101 through Bible studies, chapel, and discipleship.

Each person also receives a Work Therapy assignment, which will account for nearly 40 hours a week of their time. By putting our guests in charge of major portions of daily life at Philly House, they gain an ownership stake in their own recoveries. This responsibility also develops self-respect, job skills, and work ethic — critical needs for life after Philly House.

Finally, the Seeds of Hope phase requires individuals to endure a blackout period eliminating almost all contact with the outside world (excepting family after two weeks). This helps break ties with unhealthy influences (people, places, and things), and allows a person to clear their bodies and minds of chemicals.

Personal & Spiritual Growth – Outside Meetings – Healthy Living – Program Individualization – End of “Blackout”

After successfully completing Seeds of Hope, men continue their personal growth through counseling, spiritual training, and work therapy. New areas of development include life skills and the habits of healthy, chemical-free living. They’ll have the opportunity to participate in life-enrichment activities like the Wilma Portable Studio, field trips to Philly landmarks, and receive customized treatment based on their own particular history or needs (like anger management, coping with childhood sexual abuse, etc.).

Additionally, participants resume measured contact with the outside world. They can attend church and support groups away from Philly House, have coffee with a sponsor, and communicate more frequently with family members.

Personal Growth – Education – Career – Fellowship – Relapse Prevention

During this third stage, program participants delve deeper into scripture in classes, home groups, Bible studies, and churches, gaining new insight into God’s plan for their lives. They’ll continue meeting with professional counselors, learning how to mature through daily challenges and imperfect relationships.

Our guests will also have the opportunity to pursue new training and employment through trade schools. Those who did not complete high school can earn GEDs.

Finally, as the first six months of recovery come to a close, a heavy emphasis is placed on relapse prevention.

The final stage of the Spiritual Recovery Program lays the foundation for a return to society. By this time, women and men have been successfully completing Work Therapy on our campus for six months; they’re ready to pursue opportunities with external employers.

To ensure they’re equipped to juggle the many demands of independent living, our guests will continue participating in spiritual development and counseling when they aren’t working. Some of them require medical or dental care, and this is usually the time non-emergency health issues are addressed, thanks in no small measure to many generous community partners.

Finally, we help each person prepare for graduation by ensuring they’re plugged in with outside accountability: sponsors, recovery support groups, a home church, etc., are all critical to their lasting success.