Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do?
The Potter’s House is a Christ-centered addiction recovery and discipleship center. We focus on the root of the problem: the heart. By providing a safe place for recovery, broken hearts, and relationships are restored. When our students begin experiencing healing, they are encouraged to begin building positive new habits to function in communities.
Drug and alcohol abuse are the most common addictions we encounter along with the need to be in a relationship. Our goal is for our students to successfully graduate with genuinely changed lives because of Christ being their first loved.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?
The Potter’s House is designed for men and women who are eighteen or older who are willing to make a commitment to follow the staff’s direction as they seek to achieve desired changes in their lives. Most of the people who come through the program are coming from prison or rehab although it is possible to come from other sources.
DO I HAVE TO BE FROM LANCASTER COUNTY?
No, we will accept residents from outside the county. However, the State Parole Agent is reluctant to approve men and women who did not come through Lancaster County Prison.
HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
The program is goal driven and therefore is not defined by any specific time frame. However, it generally takes 12 months.
DO YOU ONLY TAKE PEOPLE FROM PRISON?
No, The Potter’s House was initially a prison aftercare ministry. But because of the opioid epidemic, admissions have been opened up to those coming from rehabs, home, and other places who want life change.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
None of our services are covered by health insurance.
WHAT IS THE COST?
The cost of residents at The Potter’s House is $1500 per month. We have a scholarship fund to help subsidize part or all of this for Phase one. Once residents are working, we use a sliding scale to determine monthly program fees. These could be anywhere from $500-$1500 per month.
ARE YOU AN ACCREDITED DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER?
The Potter’s House is a residential discipleship and recovery ministry and is not licensed or accredited as a drug and alcohol treatment program. The staff have training and life experience that is very beneficial to the students. Outside resources are used when accredited counseling is required by courts, parole or other responsible parties.
WHERE ARE THE RESIDENCES LOCATED?
The Potter’s House has multiple locations. Our brand new Men’s Phase One facility at Still Waters in Brownstown serves as the point of entry. Our Phase Men’s Two houses are located in Leola at 17 Hoover Lane and New Holland at 13 Brimmer Avenue. Additionally, we have just opened our first women’s center located in Leola.
CAN I WORK WHILE IN THE PROGRAM?
Residents do not work outside the program during Phase One. They are expected to work within the program for 10 hours per week. Residents may obtain an outside job once on Phase Two (men’s program) and Phase Three (Women’s program). Staff will support and help Residents to find a suitable job. Work hours should be limited to 40 hours during the first several months. A four-month steady employment is a minimum requirement for graduation.
CAN I SEE MY FAMILY WHILE IN THE PROGRAM?
Family interaction and reconciliation is encouraged. Visits are restricted to specific times and begin onsite only, progressively increasing throughout the program.
HOW ARE HOME PASSES HANDLED?
Home passes vary by program and phase. Home visits are subject to approval and may be denied if it is felt that the home environment is not safe for the resident for any reason.
WHAT IF I HAVE COURT MANDATED COUNSELING?
Residents are encouraged to meet all court and parole requirements. If counseling conflicts with a program meeting, the resident will be allowed to fulfill the legal requirements. residents are responsible to pay for these sessions. Staff will help them to obtain medical assistance.
HOW WILL I GET TO SEE MY PO?
During Phase One the staff will take the resident to his parole appointment. residents are responsible to track and keep their own parole appointments once on Phase Two. The New Holland (#12) bus route gives relatively easy access to the parole office from the houses.
WILL I HAVE RELIGION ‘STUFFED DOWN MY THROAT’?
No, The Potter’s House is unashamedly a Christian discipleship program. This is made clear to all who come prior to entering the program. The Gospel message is a key component of our program and will be integrated in all we do. However, every resident makes up his or her own mind as to what he or she will do with it. There is no coercion.
CAN I PARTICIPATE IN AA WHILE IN THE PROGRAM?
Yes, we encourage involvement in recovery groups. All residents attend AA or celebrate recovery meetings throughout the week. During Phase One this may be onsite.