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Home of Hope open for women battling addiction

Delmarva Adult and Teen Challenge program has proven recovery track record
November 27, 2018

Women battling addiction can now turn to a program with a proven record of success.

With a Nov. 19 ribbon-cutting ceremony, Delmarva Adult and Teen Challenge Home of Hope opened its doors off Rifle Range Road near Bridgeville.

It was 10 years ago that the men's program started in Seaford. Over the past decade, more than 200 men have graduated from the 12- to 15-month faith-based recovery program. Its 86 percent success rate mirrors that of the national program.

Executive Director Bob Carey, who has been with the local program since its inception, said the opening ceremony was surreal for him and many others who have worked toward getting the program started. “This has been a total community-team effort,” he said. “It's been three long years, and if I've learned anything, it's to never, never give up. God planted a passion in us.”

He said the next step will be to open an office in Hockessin. “We want to help the state of Delaware in a profound way,” he said.

Carey, who was an alcoholic living on the streets of Baltimore, said his life was changed radically 25 years ago when he became a student in the program.

Support for the program

John Hollis of Seaford, who provides community relations for the organization, said, “During a week when we give thanks, we should count our blessings that we have hardworking elected officials in the state who support the program.”

Reps. Dan Short, Tim Dukes, Rich Collins, Ruth Briggs King and Jesse Vanderwende, and Sens. Bryant Richardson and Dave Wilson attended the ceremony.

Funds from donations, a capital campaign and a successful thrift store in Seaford made the new center a reality. Over the past three years, $1.2 million was raised, with $300,000 from Delaware General Assembly funding.

“The big goal now is to keep the doors open. We need even more people to get behind this,” said board President Rick Betts, pastor of Crossroad Community Church. “We believe God can touch more hearts.”

Among the speakers was Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long. In introducing her, Hollis said, “She made a lot of this possible. When she speaks, people listen.”

Hall-Long, who grew up in Sussex County and graduated from Indian River High School, came to the ceremony after accompanying the Brandywine Counseling mobile van to the streets of Seaford, handing out 80 bags with hygiene products and clothing to people in need. In addition, she participated in a Behavioral Health Consortium program handing out Narcan, a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, with information on treatment options.

“Now I can tell women there is a place right up the road for them,” she said.

“What you are doing touches me,” she said. “You are helping to make Delaware healthy and stronger. There is nothing better to do than give grace to others.”

Enrollment for students underway

The residential program is open to women ages 18 and above with children up to the age of 5. Participants, called students, will receive classes in addiction recovery, life and work skills, spiritual counseling, parenting education, vocational training and transition assistance. The faith-based program removes students from negative influences and situations, offering them a fresh start. It also helps mothers regain a positive relationship with their children.

The 35-bed center contains two, two-story dormitories, a multipurpose sanctuary and an administrative office with classrooms. Day care is provided.

Each dormitory has bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and dining area, activities and computer rooms.

The 90-acre complex was once the home of Cedars Academy, a facility for troubled teens. The four buildings had to be totally renovated.

Applications or more information can be found on line at: www.delawareteenchallenge.org/womens_program_home.html, or by calling 302-337-9100.

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