CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

ELIGIBLE for admission are men and women who... 

• have a chronic substance abuse relapse history and are seeking a long-term, highly structured program to deal with self-defeating behaviors
• are at least eighteen (18) years old
• within the past five years have had more than one episode of professional short-term substance abuse treatment that included the 12-Step recovery model
• are committed to the Twelve Step model of recovery
• are able to work full-time
• have no pending legal charges, court-ordered requirements to pay child support or restitution, or custodial responsibilities for minor children
• have a photo ID
• are clean and sober for at least four (4) days
• are medically and emotionally stable as defined by Prodigals criteria

ALL Prodigals Community residents must be totally committed to...

• helping Prodigals staff obtain medical and mental health records, TB skin test or chest x-ray results, criminal histories, and other documents required for acceptance into the program
• taking personal responsibility for attitudes, decisions, and behaviors
• letting go of self-centeredness and willfulness; trusting peers and staff advice
• beginning the program with limited freedom, privileges, phone calls, visits, & passes; then earning privileges through evidence of responsibility
• focusing on daily spiritual growth
• learning good work habits and committing to full-time work
• participating in peer accountability groups
• obtaining a GED or other educational goals
• making a positive contribution to the community; becoming a role model for others

INELIGIBLE for Prodigals Community are...

• Those whose primary needs are housing, a home plan from prison, or an alternative to prison
• Those who are unwilling to accept the structure and discipline of Prodigals Community’s program or deal with their own self-defeating behaviors
• Without the emotional stability to live in an intense group setting, function responsibly and work 40 hours per week while committing to another 38 hours per week of structured growth activities
• Those whose lives are routinely filled with chaos and conflict that prevents them from sustaining relationships and/or employment even when not using alcohol or other drugs
• Those who are violent or abusive
• Those with an IQ below 60 or with evidence of impaired cognitive abilities
• Those with chronic mental or physical illness or recent serious psychiatric or medical episode

For a printer-friendly version of the criteria for admission click here.

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APPLYING FOR ADMISSION

PROCESS FOR APPLYING TO NEW SALEM: 

1. First, find out as much about the program as possible to see if New Salem is what you are looking for. This is a very intensive, highly structured program with strict accountability. It is not a halfway house or other semi-structured program. Read thoroughly the program services outline and program overview.  Make a list of any questions that you have.

2. Call to arrange for a pre-interview meeting. These are scheduled daily at 1 pm, Monday-Friday. This is a face-to-face meeting for us to explain the structure and opportunities of the program. Ask lots of questions.  Family members are welcome, and encouraged to attend this meeting if feasible. 

3. Fill out an application for admission to New Salem. Information that you will need includes: 

• Social Security number

• Photo ID

• Criminal history: arrests, convictions, time served. (Bring a current criminal record check from your county of residence if you can, we will have a record check done to verify your application information. Any omissions on the application are grounds for termination)

• Past substance abuse treatment history- outpatient or residential, completed or not

• An exit summary (sometimes called a "psych/social") from a current or most recent treatment program will be helpful. Most often, we will need for them to fax (336-785-4647) one to us in order for the application to be complete

• A history of any mental health diagnosis, past or present medications 

• A history of any physical ailments which have prevented you from full-time work.

• An honest self-assessment of your substance abuse history (in your own words).

You also must agree to sign a release of information from any medical, substance abuse, court, or correctional agency.  Submit the application in person, by fax or mail. Help is available on-site to complete the application form. (To download an application form click here.)

4. Staff will review your application for eligibility. You may need to submit additional information before the application is complete. 

5. Once we consider the application complete, we arrange for an intake interview, usually at 2 p.m. daily Monday-Thursday. This can be the same day as the pre-interview meeting if we have in hand all the needed information. Our goal is that an intake interview take place no later than 48 hours after we receive a completed application.  The intake interview is for the applicant only. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to ask questions after the interview. 

6.  Applicants must come to the intake interview ready to begin the program immediately. We do not make reservations for future dates. If necessary, we will arrange to obtain the bare essentials of your personal belongings after admission into the program. 

If accepted, you are now a New Salem Resident. You are assigned a "buddy" who will be your guide through all aspects of the program. Ask your buddy any and all questions about how to progress in the program. The first stage of the program, Orientation, lasts a minimum of 60 days. During this time, you get to know us, and we get to know you. At the end of Orientation you can apply for Freshman stage which is your official commitment to complete the program (at least 15 months, including Orientation stage). 

Family members and friends who desire to visit (after Orientation stage) must attend an orientation meeting prior to the first visit.  Please call (336) 785-0770 or e-mail us for the visitor's orientation schedule. 

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DOWNLOADS

 

For a detailed overview of the New Salem program

(PDF 64 KB), click here: PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 

For an application form

 (PDF 77 KB), click here: APPLICATION FORM

 

Both require free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

For more information, click here: