Changing Lives, One at a Time

By Bob Morris

There is a place in St. Louis where men can go to restore their lives, dignity, and hope when they are trapped in the web of alcohol/drug abuse. The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) at 3949 Forest Park Avenue is this haven. It provides a structured, safe, alcohol and drug free environment for men who are in a crisis situation or who must break the pattern of excessive or severe substance abuse.

The ARC’s recovery program is faith based, which means the Bible’s core teachings are incorporated through a twelve-step recovery process. The process begins with an admission of man’s shortcomings; and a profession of faith in God’s power, love, and forgiveness. The process encourages a continual confession of wrongdoing; a submission to God’s control, and a proper conduct toward others. Finally, the twelve-steps encourage habits of devotion, responsiveness to God’s will and the sharing of the message of recovery with others. The process centers on the Lord Jesus Christ and His redemptive power to restore.

The St. Louis ARC is a full-time, residential program for men, requiring six-months to one-year of services. The clients of the program represent many occupations that range from business owners and computer experts to construction workers, carpenters, and truck drivers. All share the desire to be delivered from substance abuse. They participate in a work therapy assignment; attend classes including twelve-step education, chemical dependency, relapse prevention, and community reintegration. They also receive counseling for their recovery and spiritual needs.

Services provided at the ARC include housing; clothing; meals; basic medical care; GED classes when needed; dining room; library/study area; recreation room; weight training and exercise room; television rooms; a small weekly grant to provide for personal needs; chapel services; Bible studies; and men’s retreats. The ARC has the responsibility to provide services to men for whom it is equipped to assist. This is determined on an individual basis through a comprehensive intake interview and through continued evaluation. All of these are provided at no cost to the clients and there are no government funds used in the operation of the ARC.

The ARC program is supported by the income generated by the materials that are donated by the public. To schedule a donation pick-up, please call (314) 535-0057 or the toll free number at (877) 725-8276. Donations can also be dropped off at all thrift store locations as follows: St. Louis City, 3949 Forest Park Blvd. (Mon. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and 2823 Cherokee (Mon. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.); in Arnold MO at 2110 Tenbrook Plaza (Mon. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.); in St. Charles, MO at 2700 Droste Rd. (Mon. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.); in Florissant, MO at 54 Grandview Plaza (Mon. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.); and our Illinois locations as follows: 219 Eastgate Shopping Center in East Alton, IL (Mon. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.); 218 North Illinois in Belleville, IL (Mon. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and 3801 Nameoki Rd, Crossroads Shopping Center, in Granite City, IL (Mon. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

Another very important source of income for ARC is also derived from car and boat donations. All such donations can be made to The Salvation Army by calling (314) 535-0057 or the toll free number at (877) 725-8276, or through our website at www.stlarc.org.

The ability to dream of a better life, a better community, a better world is common to us all. It is a long road back for these men to their hopes and dreams. Many men have been reunited with their families, have kept good jobs, and have made significant contributions to their communities after completing the ARC program. They have been provided with the skills and tools to make their dreams come true. More importantly, they have learned to depend on Jesus Christ as they walk the path of life.

If anyone feels that they, a friend, a client, a congregation member, or a family member may benefit from the ARC program, please call (314) 535-0057 or our toll free number at (877) 725-8276, or email at intake@stlsalvationarmyarc.org.