“Need help securing employment?” a voice echoes in my mind. For more than 70 years, Harbor Light Chicago has been a beacon of hope. It offers comprehensive services to those overcoming substance use disorder. This center is one of the largest of its kind in the United States.
Harbor Light Center helps people overcome addiction. It supports them to reestablish their lives. They return to the community as productive citizens. The center provides treatment and support during reintegration.
A review board assesses applicants daily. They are accepted unless their problem is not substance abuse. Harbor Light does accept dual diagnosed clients. These are people with mental health and substance abuse issues. The center refers them to appropriate agencies for extra help. Intoxicated applicants are not admitted. Detoxification is recommended first.
The Intensive Rehabilitation Unit provides residential treatment. It is for those who need basic education and counseling after detox. This program helps clients change attitudes and behaviors. It serves high-risk clients who might have failed before. The program prepares them for independent living. The IRU serves 20 men with stays of 21 to 45 days.
The Intensive Outpatient Program is for clients needing long-term care after the IRU. The stay length varies based on addiction severity. Clients attend group services and counseling. Educational opportunities help them learn about their addiction. They discover triggers and how to change their approach to problems. This level of care addresses the needs of DUI high-risk clients too.
Education includes lectures, videos, and group discussions. Professionals facilitate these sessions. Harbor Light uses Motivational Interviewing techniques. Cognitive-Behavioral and 12-Step Facilitation approaches are incorporated. These educate clients about their disease. They assist clients in making necessary lifestyle changes for a drug-free life. Counselors provide individual sessions. They review progress and address client issues.
Clients actively participate in 12-Step self-help groups like AA and NA. Harbor Light provides an after-care program. This is for individuals who have completed treatment. They benefit from ongoing support.
Harbor Light Center offers two transitional jobs programs. These help clients with their employment needs. One program provides job training in food service, maintenance, or clerical professions. The other offers work experience with a community partner. The Salvation Army subsidizes wages for up to eight weeks. The partner may hire the person directly after that. Both programs include training in resume writing. Interviewing skills and conflict resolution are also taught.
The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center also provides an Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Group for ages 13-17. The program uses evidence-based practices. These are tailored to the emotional needs of teens. Pro-social recreational activities are included in the large community center. These promote positive youth development.
The program is informed by research-based principles. These principles address adolescent substance use disorder. Counseling, education, fellowship, and family involvement are key. The caring professionals offer individualized and culturally competent services. Trauma-informed teams address the mental, physical, and spiritual needs of the adolescent.
Through this program, teens learn about the negative effects of drugs. They are empowered to make positive choices. The Harbor Light program is an intensive residential program. It also provides transitional services and employment training.