Everyone needs a helping hand at one point or another. Thanks to The Village, many South Floridians are receiving the extra help they need to battle substance abuse.
In 1973, Matthew Gissen, a respected behavioral health professional, noticed the need for substance abuse services in the Miami area. With funds from the state of Florida, Gissen was able to establish The Village in an effort to help revitalize the rapidly declining area and improve the quality of life in Miami.
Later, in 2003, The Village became associated with the Westcare Foundation, an organization made up of tax-exempt nonprofit groups that provide health and human services in California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and the US Virgin Islands. By teaming up with the Westcare Foundation, The Village was able to streamline administrative costs in order to better serve those in need. The organization is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and meets the highest industry standards for patient care.
The Village prides itself in addressing a large variety of needs for different ages and situations. With over 300 staff members, seven residential facilities and countless outpatient, prevention and outreach programs, this organization works hard to provide customized treatment to those who go through their programs.
The approach is truly unique. The staff concentrates on providing a full range of treatment and counseling not only for the individuals who are tackling their substance abuse problems, but also for the whole family.
The residential facilities for adults have no limit to how many children a patient can bring with them. Additionally, day care services and counseling programs are provided for these children.
“On any given day, we have about 120 adults in residence,” said Frank Rabbito, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Westcare Foundation, and also the administrator of The Village. “We usually have between 30 and 50 children living with their parents on our campus.” Other distinctive services include residential programs for people with HIV, women who are pregnant and youth.
Most people are in residential care for about six months, although some stay as little as 30 days or as long as 12 months. In the maternal addiction program, it is not uncommon for a new mom to stay in residential care for 12 months while battling substance abuse, receiving counseling and learning to take care of her baby.
“The Village provides a comprehensive program,” Rabbito said. “It not only deals with the substance abuse problems that individuals have, but it also addresses all of the other educational, social, medical, employment and housing needs as well.”
The Village offers outpatient services, outreach programs to encourage those in need to seek help as well as prevention programs. They work with many public schools, youth centers and other youth organizations to reach children and adolescents to communicate a strong anti-drug message using the latest scientific facts.
Another prevention tactic The Village uses it to provide opportunities to engage youth in positive social interactions without the influence of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.
In addition to community outreach programs, The Village has developed a strong relationship with local government and receives many patients from the court system. For example, they are able to work with the jails to assess the needs of prisoners and help them transition from incarceration into treatment.
Helping thousands of people of all ages and situations each year, The Village is definitely providing a valuable service to the Miami-Dade community. The organizations goal is to continue to provide the best care possible to support positive growth in the area.
“The best part of my job is watching people progress through treatment and moving into recovery and maintaining themselves independently and free from drugs in the community,” Rabbito said.
