Cumberland Heights, which has been serving people affected by alcohol or drug addiction since 1966, is expanding its continuum of services with construction underway on the ARCH Academy (Adolescent Recovery of Cumberland Heights).
Expected to open summer 2019, this unique new program will provide 60 days to six months of residential care for adolescent boys, ages 14-18, struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. With adolescence being a critical time in human development, Cumberland Heights hopes to foster positive change by providing quality, long-term treatment to teens and their families.
Cumberland Heights officials noted extensive interviews with parents, educational consultants and clinical referral sources indicated an urgent need in the region for a quality, long-term adolescent treatment program. Building on this knowledge and more than 30 years of experience treating adolescents, Cumberland Heights decided to develop ARCH Academy on 67 wooded acres to provide 12-step recovery, proven clinical therapy, adventure programming and licensed high school. The location of the ARCH Academy facility also will provide an environment well suited to connecting with nature and exploring spirituality though hiking, mountain biking and trail rides. The unique program also plans to include activities within the community such as fishing, softball, pottery, canoeing, camping and service work.
"Adolescent Recovery of Cumberland Heights (ARCH) Academy is so much more than the sanctuary of 67 wooded acres," Cumberland Heights CEO Jay Crosson said to those gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony. "ARCH Academy is a new vision for adolescent treatment that builds upon our current 30-day program (primary) and a month or so of extended care. We will incorporate those elements and combine them with outdoor adventure-based therapies with a focus on gender and development needs of the adolescent male."
He continued, "The additional time of an average six-month stay will allow us to also address underlying co-occurring disorders while establishing a strong foundation of 12-step recovery and support."
He added the private academy would allow residents to continue their high school education while preparing them for a sober life. "These young men have the potential to be more than just clean and sober. We want them to continue their dreams, to be productive members of the community and rejoin their families. The ripple effect of their recoveries will be profound as they recover life," he said.
Cumberland Heights celebrated the announcement of ARCH Academy with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site in late April. For more information go to ARCH.org.
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