What are Recovery Support Services (RSS)? Safe Harbor is a church, independent of denomination, offering a faith-based RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES program. We are an approved provider of Recovery Support Services by both the Tennessee Department of Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (DADAS) and the Arkansas Department of Human Services (Access to Recovery). Recovery Support Services are designed to enhance and reinforce recovery after participation in inpatient licensed Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation programs. We do not offer medical detox services, and the program we administer employs a combination of pastors, lay-ministers, volunteers, and peer coaches (people in recovery with long term sobriety) who have been trained in core competencies that relate guiding and supporting others in recovery. Our program is designed to provide a safe drug and alcohol free environment and structured support program in which participants regain their work skills and habits; learn about recovery and relapse prevention; and to prepare to live a sober, independent life after graduation. Why our Recovery Support Services Program is Called the ‘Nehemiah Program’ This is a reference to the Biblical story, in the Old Testament Book of Nehemiah (originally from the Jewish Torah), about the efforts of the children of Israel to rebuild the wall around the city of Jerusalem. In those days, massive walls were constructed around cities to protect inhabitants from outside threats. In the case of those we serve, their ‘walls of protection’ have been destroyed, and lacking the right skills to maintain sobriety they are exposed and in danger. Just as the Israelites worked together to rebuild the broken wall and secure themselves from danger, we work together with our participants so that they may regain their strength and rebuild their broken lives.
Planning to Maintain Sobriety: Individualized Care Plans and Case Management Soon after arrival, each participant will be asked to participate in an individual intake session intended to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and to establish a consumer directed care plan. That means that the participant will be asked to think about where they are at the moment; where they would like to be in the future; and what steps they must take (and when they must take them) in order to achieve their goals. This individualized plan will become the map for their recovery support, and will be used to measure their progress along the way. The more the person in recovery participates in establishing and following this plan, the greater their chances for sustaining sobriety. Initial and ongoing drug screening is an essential part of the Case Management process; drug and alcohol screening will be conducted at random during the participant’s stay.
Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) Defined in recent years by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a ROSC in any community is a collection of any and all services, agencies, and resources, and individuals that are part of enhancing an individual’s sobriety. We coordinate services with various other service providers on behalf of our students as needed, securing needed services such as health or dental services or replacing essential items such as lost personal identification. Our staff also works with other agencies such as parole and probation offices, criminal and drug courts, and child support agencies to promote compliance and enhance recovery by eliminating stress related to previously unaddressed but pressing legal matters.