History

In 1971 Marion Spellman had a vision regarding a program to help the hurting people of society. Her interest grew as she witnessed an increase in broken homes, community deterioration, crime and incarceration. She realized that the majority of these situations were drug and/or alcohol related.

Peniel was founded in 1980. This event resulted from a combination of Dr. Spellman’s vision, career experience and personal convictions. Her first experience in the field of drug and alcohol treatment was working with substance abusers at a Teen Challenge facility in western Pennsylvania. There she directed the female component of the program. Although Dr. Spellman, while working at local jails and prisons, had witnessed the healing and delivering power of God in the lives of addicted individuals, it was at the Teen Challenge center where she witnessed God’s power operating within a structured program.

It was during her employment at the Camp Hill State Correctional Institution in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania that she realized a well structured program integrated with Biblical principles could be very effective in the treatment of substance abusers.

This concept was crystallized into the Peniel Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program. Peniel’s utilization of its "Bible Therapy" approach combined with the twelve-step principles of the Alcoholics Anonymous program enhances its ability to impart Judeo-Christian principles to its clients. In addition the program also emphasizes coping skills, family dynamics, general employment skills training and time and money management.

Peniel was established without the benefit of starting capitol but with a deep desire to provide effective professional treatment for men and women who required intense, long-term treatment for chronic drug and/or alcohol addiction. A twenty-two acre facility was located and rented in Central Pennsylvania. The doors were opened and clients began to enroll from across the United States.

Statistics reflect that Peniel clients come from various backgrounds and from all walks of life. Initially, with one facility, Peniel was able to provide treatment for males only. However, within six years an additional facility was located and the doors were opened to females as well.

Shortly after its inception, Peniel received a license with the Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs (O.D.A.P.) and has consistently met the required standards for operating an "inpatient non-hospital drug-free" substance abuse program.

Dr. Spellman’s vision to address the needs of both men and women was accomplished. Peniel has since relocated its headquarters and its male and female programs to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where it presently operates on a beautiful, rural, seven-acre site.

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