• Bright Hope Recovery Center is off to a good start at the Boys and Girls Home.
Children in families facing substance abuse problems now have professional, faith-based help in Columbus County.
Last November, the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina, in partnership with Brunswick Christian Recovery Center, announced they had received a grant in the amount of $585,620 from the Governor’s Crime Commission to begin the no-fee, family-based treatment program. It was created to help children of parents suffering from substance abuse. Bright Hope provides residential care, housing, and treatment for those children while the parents are in recovery.
Bright Hope is a Christian Recovery Center program, and one of the first of its kind here in Columbus County.
“Parents struggling from addiction will be assured their children are also receiving care,” said Director of Development Mike Garrell. He said it’s important to treat both the individual in treatment, as well as the children involved. The program teaches children healthy coping skills and supportive ways to focus on self-care, and emphasizes on whole family recovery.
Bright Hope also keeps the children out of the DSS system, and puts the parent’s mind at ease knowing that their children are in a safe and stable environment.
Josh Torbisch, Brunswick Christian Recovery Center CEO, said that child care is a big hurdle for parents suffering from substance abuse, and it often keeps those individuals from seeking treatment.
The program also includes family therapy and incorporates practices from the Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence-Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting.
Bright Hope was recently gifted a $4,000 donation from the friends and family of Ruthanne Palumbo. Ruthanne lost her daughter, Kristine, to substance abuse on May 4.
“The family is so happy we found such a wonderful place to donate the funds raised to celebrate and honor Kristine’s life,” Palumbo said. She explained that the family believes Bright Hope “is a great place for recovering parents to overcome a huge barrier when it comes to seeking treatment.” The Palumbos thanked the staff of the center for allowing them to make the donation in their daughter’s name.
The residential family-based treatment center is located in Lake Waccamaw at the Boys and Girls Home, and lasts from sixteen to twenty-four weeks.
Bright Hope is available for children ages six to ten years old, and it encourages communication between family members with phone calls and visitation. Bright Hope ensures that all the needs of the child are met including medical care, and the staff are available to the children 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many activities are available on campus including recreational therapy, the Eagala Equine Program, individual and group therapy, Bible studies and chapel service, arts and crafts, and weekend outings.
For more about Bright Hope, or to make a donation, contact Program Supervisor Danielle Monroe at 910.770.0456 or email danielle.monroe@bghnc.org.
