The Uniqueness of Peniel:
A New Staff Member’s Perspective
By: Sarah J. Levine

As I sat in my room last night, and saw the sun setting over the mountains, I couldn’t think of a way to sum up Peniel other than, “Wow!” Peniel is truly an amazing place to be, and the opportunity to work here is definitely an honor. Although I have long felt a calling to work with addicted individuals, I never expected this unique opportunity.

Unique is definitely a word I would use to describe Peniel. Although there are other Christian programs I do not believe there is another quite the same. Operating above stereotypical programs is the foundation for Peniel treating our clients.

For example, this facility is certainly the cleanest place I have ever seen! There is a purpose in this besides getting closer to God. (You have heard the saying, cleanliness is next to Godliness.) For individuals coming from addictive lifestyles, this is a constant reminder: that there has been a change in their lives. It also makes the statement that becoming a man or woman of God means that one’s entire life is different than it was before.

Cleanliness is only one way that the scope of this entirety is evidenced. Actually, the program is designed to address all areas of a person’s life. Family, education, vocation, recreation and of course spiritual are some of the areas addressed. Classes also highlight drug awareness, money management, healing damaged emotions, tools for sobriety, anger management, parenting skills, overcoming the victim mentality and discipleship, are only a few. Peniel also uses noted authors within our church for the textbooks for these classes such as: Rev. David Griffis, Rev. A. Alan Alaimo, Dr. Robert Fisher, Dr. Lamar Vest, Mrs. Kathy Sanders and Dr. Peggy Scarborough.

Peniel is also outstanding in other ways. Integrity, professionalism and excellence are expected in everything said and done. These principles are applied to all areas, making one look at not only what they do, but also at the underlying motive for their actions. Daily events are used to introduce these essential qualities to individuals for the first time in some cases. These principles also demand the staff to live and act consistent with the scriptures for the glory of God.

Stereotypes, academic, social and racial profiling are not encouraged nor tolerated at Peniel. People who have different backgrounds are taught to work together and appreciate one another’s differences. Those things called impossible are common at Peniel. Peniel graduates have proven that once an addict, always an addict is absolutely untrue. Our success rate is over 75% for those who graduate. While relapse does occur, it is not expected.

Peniel creates a unique blend of Biblical teachings and clinical expertise, in which neither are compromised. It is in this setting that individual treatment plans are developed, massaged and implemented. I believe that it is this commitment to spiritual principles which opens the door for God to direct the counselors in devising and providing treatment. The insight and wisdom of the Case Consultation Board is phenomenal. We review each client’s progress weekly. Proverbs says “In the multitude of counsel, there is safety.”

I have worked with a secular drug treatment program before coming to Peniel, therefore, I have experience from both sides. I have come to the firm conclusion that “God is the only answer.” I am glad to say that God, and what He can and will do in an individual’s life are central at Peniel. As I often tell those interested in admission, although this is a difficult program, there is help at Peniel if you want it. As the sign over the front door declares, “At Last There Is Hope.”