Peniel History

In 1977 Dr. Marion Mattie Spellman had a vision of a Christian program that would professionally and effectively address the addicted segment of this society. Her interest grew as she was exposed to a serious increase in broken homes, community deterioration, drug related crimes, and disproportionate incarceration of the poor and disenfranchised. In February 1980, Peniel opened its doors with a dream, three unqualified volunteers and a vision that would not be denied. The only ingredient missing was a resident.

Since that time thousands of students have crossed the Peniel threshold encouraged by the sign over our entrance doors declaring: “At Last There’s Hope.” Literally hundreds have successfully graduated from the program and have been restored to their families, churches and communities - thus reclaiming the cherished possessions that the addicted lifestyle had stolen.

Peniel continues to mature and now functions with a fully qualified staff compliment who have earned Masters Degrees in Human Services, Masters Degrees in Counseling, Masters Degrees in Psychiatric Nursing, Licensed Social Workers, Registered Nurses, Bachelor Degrees, Associate Degrees, Certified Addictions Counselors (CAC), Certified Public Account (CPA) and of course several credentialed ministers.

The Peniel Treatment Model is based on the Biblical fact that Human Beings are born with a depraved nature and the Born Again experience is essential for a permanent and enduring change. In addition, it is also necessary to teach and to reinforce patterns of good behavior. We understand that we cannot change people and so we teach our students that they must put forth the effort of changing themselves by refusing to play the "Blame Game" and rejecting the urge to maintain the negative responses of a victim, who aggressively defends their right of self indulgence. This attitude is steadfast in proclaiming that “It’s not my fault,” “I am not responsible,” "I can not be accountable.” This is merely a futile attempt to drown out God’s miraculous power and His awesome ability to transform a life.

Peniel teaches the residents to totally embrace the True and Living God. When problems become evident in their lives, we stress that they must accept the responsibility for and consequences of the outcome. Coupled with consistent prayer, residents are monitored as they implement “appropriate tools” received through counseling and classes. They are taught to approach each challenge with energy and expectation. Faith is massaged as residents also apply relevant Bible principals.

We address problems! We strongly reject the "Pink Elephant" in the room philosophy, which denies that a problem exists. We teach our students to confront adversities by identifying the issues, claiming God's promise and meeting God's conditions. We teach them that in order to overcome a victim’s mentality, they must accept full responsibility, delay gratification, as well as dedicate themselves to truth.

Peniel teaches each student that God must absolutely be first in their new life. God must be easily detected in their lifestyle, their choice of friends and their recreational habits. He must be evident in their role as husbands, wives and parents. He must be on display in their work ethic and admired because of their genuine love for others … whether “the others” are the same or different than themselves.

Economic status, skin color or social position should have no bearing on their church affiliation or community interaction. Furthermore, Peniel fully agrees with the statement that "A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste". Therefore we stress the importance of expanding ones knowledge base by encouraging them to pursue additional educational opportunities. You will hear a counselor advising their client to actually sit down, under God’s guidance, with a pen and paper to specifically plot out an attainable strategy describing where they want to go in life and how they intend to get there. We maintain that success in one's life will always depend upon priorities, principles and perseverance. We teach the students to appreciate and to learn "The Six P's": Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Peniel attends to the whole person - spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. We offer drug/alcohol one on one and group counseling, a variety of classes, family counseling, group interactional assessments, practical and life skills training, financial management, a limited on-site recreational program, vocational therapy and a variety of other educational factors which are continually updated to meet the needs of the current clients.

Another strong component of Peniel is PAC which is The Peniel Alumni Connection. Our graduates are encouraged to join this vibrant, functioning and vital part of the whole. The primary function of PAC is to befriend those who have successfully completed treatment by providing spiritual and moral support, to refer those in need of serious attention and to encourage those presently receiving treatment. The Peniel Alumni Connection also functions as an extended fund raising arm as an expression of their gratitude for what has taken place in their lives, as well as an effort to assist others who are struggling with addictions.

The Peniel staff are passionate about the work being done in men and women’s lives who have come to us for deliverance. We are convinced that beneath the drugs and alcohol, beyond the inappropriate behavior and behind the irresponsible decisions, you will find a person dealing with rejection, poor self-esteem, hopelessness, pain and depression. You will witness lost visions and washed out goals. Just remove the drugs and alcohol! Guess what you will discover deeply buried and conspicuously hiding? A bona fide and precious gem. You will find an undiscovered and uncut diamond. A real live Human Being who is absolutely worth the time, effort and investment. Peniel's ultimate goal is not only to assist our residents in achieving sobriety but to leave the infallible character of Jesus Christ's imprint forever stained on the inner fabric that line their hearts. Again we as a staff declare to each person who has made their way to our doors and specifically to the graduates, that we can honestly say we have withheld nothing profitable from you for a successful beginning.

Twenty-three years have passed and we have remained faithful to the original assignment. Indeed, we are blessed to face another year of intensive care for a brand new class loaded with untapped potential, even though at first sight, they appeared angry, weary, and lifeless. Once again the Peniel staff has confidently assumed the role of “the paramedic”. If you could be an invisible observer, you would easily identify just who the staff really are – they can be detected as they encourage the resident to “hang in there”, or you may watch them write out a disciplinary form; or you may over hear them say “yes” or even “no” to a student’s request.

Or even when they are saying “wait” or “do it now” – they are on their job slowly helping to change an open and festering wound into a healed scar with a testimony. You may see the board room lights on at eleven pm and staff heating just one more pot of coffee as we struggle with a life changing treatment plan decision … it all means the very same thing. They are serving in the role of the spiritual paramedic and they are passionately repeating with great authority: Breathe! Breathe! Breathe! I know that there is life within you … SO BREATHE! In the powerful name of Jesus, we command you to BREATHE!

So as God gives us strength and the people continue to support this proven effort, whether it is by finances, time or encouraging words, the staff will spend another year administering emergency spiritual assistance, rescuing the lost, and resuscitating the dying. It is simply the Peniel Way. And as long as the person is cooperative and willing, quitting is not an option for us. Not ever!