WE RESTORE LIVES BY CHANGING A PERSON’S BEHAVIOUR
Hearken House Ministry is a 501(c)(3) public non-profit organization where criminals, the homeless, and sex offenders can change their lives, free of charge. Our comprehensive 18 months residential program offers vocational training, education, peer counseling and mentoring leadership training, and transitional services.
Hearken House Ministry is a “classic therapeutic community.” It is based on one of the most researched and effective models for helping those with long histories of addiction and criminal behavior of the past 70 years. In a therapeutic community, the powerful influence of experienced peers is employed in place of therapists or doctors who don’t share the same life experience as our students. A summary of the research demonstrating the efficacy of this approach is available here.
Participants in our program are called “students” and they represent our society’s most serious social problems—and yet, remarkably, as a group, they provide solutions to one another’s challenges. We do not have doctors, clinical therapists, or counselors in Hearken House Ministry. We are not a program based on counseling or therapy. Instead, there is no distinction in the backgrounds of leaders and students other than more time and experience living in Hearken House Ministry community and influencing others to change their lives. All have been in and out of jail or prison repeatedly and ultimately, left hopeless for a decent life.
Faculty members at Hearken House Ministry are living examples of the efficacy of the program. They themselves have done everything new students are asked to do. Thus, they have the credibility to show others how to change as they have done.
To contact us email Patrick@hearkenhouse.org or give us a call at (717) 552-2891
WHO IS THIS FOR ?
Hearken House Ministry is a training school in which students learn pro-social, vocational, and life skills allowing them to emerge with a healthy life on “Hearken House.” This program is available as an alternative to those facing long-term incarceration as well as those seeking a change from the life they’ve chosen in the past. Many of those who seek entrance into the Hearken House are convicts, substance abusers, or homeless. This school accepts men and women, both pre-and post-sentencing, who are ready to learn a new and better way to live their lives.
Personal behavioral change does not happen in a week. Or a month. Or a year. Those seeking admission into the Hearken House commit to attending for eighteen months. Lasting change requires intensive on-site education and practice. Hearken House teaches students both fundamental personal management and relationship skills such as keeping one’s promise, accountability, love, charity, and dependability. At Hearken House Ministry, students will awaken to their own value as they support their peers in finding theirs. They work hard, have a good attitude, and watch out for the next person after them. The most lost among us are taught to have a life free of addiction, crime, and destruction.
In addition to learning self-governance, students work. They contribute to the Hearken House, bottom line. Hearken House is self-sustaining because of the income generated by its various vocational training schools, these schools include Fresh Purpose and Fresh Purpose Thrift Boutique. Students work in these businesses, and in the process, learn marketing, business, and trade skills. Whether a student cooks, cleans Hearken House, or runs the register at the Thrift Boutique, everyone contributes as a part of the team.
Hearken House Ministry is a place for change. If you or your loved one are looking for help to overcome a destructive lifestyle and are willing to work to get it, Hearken House Ministry invites you to come to sit on the bench.
WHO IS THIS NOT FOR ?
Hearken House Ministry is not for those seeking a quick fix to a lifetime of poor habits. A student commits to eighteen months in-residence, and in many cases, this is instead of serving a prison sentence. The student may not leave campus without staff approval. Hearken House does accept sex offenders
Hearken House Ministry is a “classic therapeutic community.” It is based on one of the most researched and effective models for helping those with long histories of addiction and criminal behavior over the past 70 years. In a therapeutic community, the powerful influence of experienced peers is employed in place of therapists or doctors who don’t share the same life experience as our students. A summary of the research demonstrating the efficacy of this approach is available here.
Those who are unwilling to live by house rules, keep pace with the rigorous schedule, or be honest about their behavior need not apply. All applicants must be in good health and between 18-64 years of age. We accept male and female participants without regard to race, color, national origin.