Substance Abuse Program

Our long-term residential program, Spiritually Accountable, Vocationally Equipped (or S.A.V.E.), combines work, counseling, discipleship and teaching in a structured, therapeutic community in which people struggling with the bondage of addiction can find hope and opportunity for restorative life change.  Our experienced and dedicated staff comes alongside the residents in mentoring, classes, chapel services and work assignments to assist in the challenges of developing life skills and spiritual disciplines that can serve them further as they begin to move beyond the Mission environment and return to successful independent living.  The Aftercare Program then provides an additional time period to seek and obtain employment or pursue further education in local schools and colleges. 

The S.A.V.E. Program (Spiritually Accountable – Vocationally Equipped) includes these phases:  

1. Fresh Start (30-45 days).  This is a time for physical and mental detoxification as well as social decompression from street life.  Staff contact, program orientation and assessments for legal, physical, spiritual and psychological/social needs begin.  Work assignments are made and "Step" classes and recovery support groups start for the duration of the S.A.V.E. Program.  No unsupervised outings or visitation are allowed in this phase.
   
2. Power Start (345+days). 
   1. PS1: The primary counselor is assigned, and the master treatment plan is established.  Weekly individual and twice-weekly group counseling begins.  The award-winning NOVA computerized educational assessment and educational series begins and continues until NOVA goals are realized.  All non-high school grads are expected to remain with the S.A.V.E. program until they earn their GED or an approved equivalent.  No unsupervised outings from the facility.  Visitation by blood relatives and legally married spouses may begin in this phase.
      
   2. PS2: Limited authorized outings from the facility may begin at counselor discretion.
      
   3. PS3: Financial/budgeting classes begin.  Residents entering the second half of the Power Start phase may be eligible for a private room.  Vocational testing and employment education occur in this phase, along with Resume-building.  Residents begin developing (and then maintain) a sound support network.  Family counseling begins as needed.  Relapse prevention/hardening classes take place.  Residents begin searching for employment during the final 30 days.  A mentor is assigned and educational applications are completed as needed.  During this phase, limited overnight or weekend passes are issued at counselor discretion.  Official substance abuse programming is completed upon graduation.  Upon graduation, residents enter an intense, high-accountability, two-month phase where they are required to establish solid connections with support networks and demonstrate absolute sobriety.  When successful, the graduate can move on to the Jump Start phase.
      
3. Jump Start (One or two six-month contracts).  Work or school begins.  Passes required for overnight or weekend absences from the facility.  Contracts are established between the staff and resident to identify the scope and magnitude of follow-up classes, counseling, support groups, budgets, and legal expectations to be met while in Jump Start phase.

4. Life Start (Alumni).  Mel Trotter Ministries is committed to maintaining relationships with the graduates of the S.A.V.E. program.  Our Chaplains/Extended Care Coordinators actively engage men and women in the re-entry and life building process for as long as the graduate is interested in the relationship with Mel Trotter Ministries.  The Chaplains are eager to hear from all past graduates for prayer, ministry, updates and the opportunity to reestablish contact.