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The first meeting of the Better Way Program of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church was held in December, l989. Through Pastor Freddie Davis’ insight and vision, this free and confidential program is devoted to helping church members, the community, families and friends who want and seek a way to remove themselves from drug and alcohol dependency. The first meeting for the purpose of organizing The Better Way Program was held in December of 1989. In January 1990, The Better Way Program held its first counseling session. The organizers of The Better Way used the Calvary’s Alternative to Alcohol and Drug Addiction Program (CAATADA House) of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church as its prototype. To date the CATAADA HOUSE continues to fully support The Better Way Program.
Since its inception, the Program has provided support and assistance through spiritual and dependency counseling. The Better Way referred participants to detoxify or treatment centers, housing and good programs; employment opportunities; and held many co-dependent sessions. The Better Way has provided services to over 3,000 clients in and around the Washington metropolitan area. Even now, the Program continues to help individuals and families to rid themselves of drugs and alcohol and become more independent, for them and their families.
In l996, The Better Way Program was incorporated under the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Therapeutic Services, a non-profit 501(C) 3 federal tax-exempt organization, and added more focus on clinical and spiritual guidance. We offer individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, anger management, feelings, health education, life management, and 12-step spiritual groups, HIV/AIDS testing and education, client alumni program, vocational rehabilitation, random urinalysis/breathalyzer testing, ex-offenders support group, treatment planning, along with strong 12-step spiritual meetings.
All staff of the Better Way understands that the disease of addiction causes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual problems with the addict/alcoholic and their family. We strive to meet individual and family needs. All staff are qualified to serve those who reach out for help to overcome their addition to drugs and/or alcohol. Counselors also provide motivational talks at other area programs.
Through their volunteer services at the Better Way Program, a number of our counselors have gone on to become professional substance abuse counselors throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
The Better Way is truly a God inspired program. Pilgrim Rest is grateful that God has allowed us to be instrumental in operating it. We give all praises, glory and honor to God for helping us to show those in need, The Better Way.
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