Harbor Light Center
The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center
1515 W. Monroe
Chicago, IL 60607-2407
Phone: (312) 421-5753
Fax: (312) 421-6930
Substance Abuse Recovery Program
The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, is one of the larger and most respected substance abuse recovery programs in the United States. It provides comprehensive, specialized services to persons seeking to overcome the disease of alcohol and substance abuse. A sequence of programs enables clients to set and achieve personal, positive objectives to overcome their illness, reestablish their lives and return to the community as productive citizens.
Harbor Light Center provides intensive substance abuse treatment and follows up with support during the critical period as clients reintegrate into the mainstream community. Services include:
- Transitional Jobs Programs
- Developing a healthy lifestyle
- Learning to manage personal affairs successfully
- Developing support groups and friendships
Intake And Orientation
A Review Board, composed of representatives from all Center departments, daily reviews information on individuals applying for the recovery program. Generally, applicants are accepted, unless their problem is clearly other than substance abuse. We do accept dual diagnosed clients (mental health and substance abuse). In such case, we refer them to the appropriate agencies for assistance.
Applicants may not be admitted to Harbor Light while intoxicated. If detoxification is needed, we refer them to area detox centers.
Intensive Rehabilitation Unit
This provides treatment to those who are detoxified and in need of basic education, counseling and help to achieve changes in attitude or behavior. The Intensive Rehabilitation Unit (IRU) accepts high-risk clients who may have failed in other treatment programs, but now seem ready to face their substance abuse problems.
A full program of activities and services help prepare them for productive and independent or semi-independent living. IRU houses 20 men, who are required to stay in the unit between 21 and 45 days.
Minority Alcoholism Treatment Program
This service is for six months and is designed to meet the needs of minority males age 21 and over who are able and willing to work. Handicapped, mentally ill and retired clients may also enroll in the program, but are not required to seek employment. The residence houses 20 men.
The program focuses on relapse prevention and enhancement of each person's quality of life. Clients receive a minimum of 15 hours of treatment each week and are assisted in their search for employment training and education.
Half-Way And Three-Quarter Way Houses
The Chicago Harbor Light houses 160 men. Following an orientation period, clients move into private rooms, while paying program fees.
They may stay for up to two years if they need structure and rehabilitation, participate in the program, adhere to regulations against substance abuse and abide by rules that promote better community living.
Employment Services
The Chicago Harbor Light offers their Transitional Jobs Program to assist clients in their employment needs. There are two programs, one provides job training on specific skills in food service, maintenance or clerical professions. The second program offers a work experience with a community partner where The Salvation Army subsidizes the wages for up to 8 weeks. If the client proves himself, the partner hires the person directly. Both programs include training in résumé writing, interviewing skills, appropriate job behaviors, conflict resolution and other soft skills necessary for employment stability.
