The WISE Place
WOMEN and MEN IN SEARCH of EMPOWERMENT
WISE IS...
A long-term men's and women's residential facility and therapeutic community. Our residents work together and with our staff of Licensed Professional Counselors and Certified Addiction Counselors to make meaningful, positive life changes to help free them from the bondage of addiction.
WHERE IS WISE...
The residence is located in the Historical District of Metter, Georgia, central to CR/NA/AA meetings, work, and shopping. Due to the quiet, historical backdrop of its location, WISE provides a safe and convenient environment to recover from addiction and other debilitating disorders without the distraction from negative influences. Metter may be best known as the home of "The Sower", Michael Guido, who has delivered short evangelical PSAs on late-night television nationwide for decades. Dr. Guido's messages were filmed at Guido Gardens, which houses a public botanical garden and a school of ministry. Guido died at the age of 94 on February 22, 2009. His messages were aired on TV stations in the Georgia and South Carolina region.
WHO DO I CONTACT...
Lorri Strickland, Director
912-515-5026
About......
A residential community where addictive behaviors are addressed with counseling and support to bring about positive changes. The program is in a long-term residential facility where residents attend daily outside Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous Meetings, Traditional and Psycho-education Groups, and Community Meetings. Wise uses a solution based approach to life problems in areas of work, school, and family as well as influencing interpersonal relationships through positive peer support inside and outside the residence. The utilization of the 12 steps of AA and NA are the basis for the recovery process. In addition, each resident has Individual Counseling once a week with their assigned Certified Addiction Counselor. Residents have a structured, safe environment to attend to their needs as they relate to their addiction.
WISE has created a cost effective way to provide continued care for clients who successfully complete detoxification where they can immediately begin the process of regaining their dignity and self-worth in a safe residential community. Family interaction in the process is welcomed and utilized to create the best outcome possible. Although it is not required, family members are encouraged to get involved in the process to promote healing and gain awareness and understanding about the disease of addiction so as to better equip each resident with a positive support system upon graduating from the program. Finally, WISE believes that a positive leisure lifestyle promotes healthy living by reducing stress and promoting a balanced approach to living without the use of chemicals. We include group outings and recreational opportunities for the residents to promote positive leisure behavior without the use of chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a recovery residence?
A recovery residence is a home for people to live together who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. These are drug and alcohol free, supportive, structured residences for recovering persons to become accustomed to a healthy lifestyle. The members of each house live together as a family and help each other to stay clean and sober and to grow.
Q: Who lives at a recovery residence?
Residents of recovery houses are people who realize that they can't recover alone. Recovery houses provide a high level of support to help a person achieve long-term recovery. Usually a person coming to a recovery house must already be drug and alcohol free, because detox and medical treatment services are not provided. Many residents arrive after completing a stay in detox or rehab, however each case is considered on an individual basis. There are people from all walks of life living at recovery houses, ranging from professional people to those who were formerly homeless. All share the common bond of freedom from alcoholism and addiction.
Q: How do I get into a recovery residence?
First the individual needs to have a desire to recover. To obtain information about the WISE place, click Contact Us. The potential resident will need to meet our Admission Criteria, complete a telephone interview, and have a non-refundable entry fee available.
Q: How much does a recovery residence cost?
The WISE Place requires a non-refundable entry fee of $1000.00. The weekly rates for the WISE Place is $190.00 per week. Click Contact Us to find out more. Residents pay for their own rent by finding and maintaining employment.
Q: What are the rules?
Complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol is required. Drug testing is done to insure that residents remain drug and alcohol free. Group attendance of Celebrate Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous is required. Residents are required to sign in and out of the residence and have a curfew. Residents are required to participate in household chores. Over-night outings are usually allowed after a certain amount of time in the program. The members of the residence share a room with others. Participation is required for group activities, group counseling, community service projects and other recovery-focused activities.
Q: What about transportation?
Metter, Georgia is a walking-friendly community and several of our residents walk to work and meetings. We have 3 facility vans that travel at different times of the day. After a period of time in the program, residents are allowed to have personal vehicles with proof of valid registration and insurance. Many times residents with vehicles will help other residents get to meetings or work.
Q: What about food?
Three meals a day are provided for WISE residents.
Q: What should I bring?
Picture ID and Social Security Card (Mandatory for Job Search)
One suitcase of clothing that is weather appropriate which includes comfortable t-shirts (no alcohol/drug references please)
Knee length shorts, t-shirts, underwear, socks, dress shirts, dress pants, tennis shoes, dress shoes, and flip flops.
Alarm clock (battery operated)
Watch
Laundry Basket
Toiletries that do NOT have alcohol in them (no cologne)
Non-refundable entry fee
Q: How can I be successful at a recovery residence?
Do your best to learn and follow the rules. Get to know the members of your house and make a connection with those who are most focused on recovery. Get a sponsor, make your meetings and work the 12 Steps. Be willing to ask for help and help the next person.
Q: What do I do with my children, if I have them?
You will need to give temporary custody to a family member or friend you can trust. Keep in mind, this is short term and is better for all involved in the long run.