Beacon House Association of San Pedro
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August 31, 2011
I went to the Beacon House in 2008. It was a very depressing and difficult situation to deal with. Even though I was willing and worked hard I felt as though the members who had been there longer singled me out and would really make things hard on the newer individuals that were there voluntarily. Also most were there through drug court and had a lot to lose if removed from the program those people would make it hard on the ones who were there on their own free will. Overall I was very depressed while at the BH and really could not confide with anybody without total beratement. On more than one occasion my medication was being withheld by the other patients or staff. After a long weekend [Christmas] my meds were withheld and on Sunday night while at a meeting another program person was very derogatory after I received a 90 day chip and I had an emotional meltdown already in a depressive state I seriously was at an end. Subsequently the next day I was removed from the program. It was a very cult like atmosphere that is geared toward the courts approval so they can have a continuous supply of addicts whom are not very motivated to change but very motivated to program and play the game which most are very good at playing since they spent plenty of time in prison. I have been sober two years now thank God and no thanks to beacon house. They have far more dropouts than success story's. The numbers are fudged and the successes are few. Overall I would say this program works if you are afraid to go back to the pen.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
finding my own path
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
fire bill and the rest of the cult leaders.
December 29, 2010
Beacon House is a service that is an asset to any community. Without such services I would not be where I am today. The staff as well as the surrounding community activities are what helps to keep the clients grounded and strive to better themselves. The program is a lesson that sticks with you, it helps you to stay focused. I thought I could beat my sickness on my own. I couldn't, I tried the VA, and serveal other programs, but not until I went to Beacon House did I understand what I was facing, you see I was old when I went into my addiction, therefore I thought I knew everything, I could stop when ever I wanted to, I lied to myself and my family. I think my last resort was Beacon house and when I first went there I was a hot shot and hard headed. However once I began to listen and work the program I began to see a light at the end of the tunnel, before I was in a cave of darkness and didn't know it. I continue to live by the program I was taught at Beacon House one day at a time. I encourage the program and I know for a fact anyone that is seeking help that ends up on Beacon House door step will succeed if they believe in the program, stay focus, follow the rules and do there part to beat the addiction, will forever be grateful to Beacon House I know I am and so is my family I put them through hell. I have been clean going on 9 years and owe a very large debt to Beacon House for my well being.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've been clean 8 years because of the program at Beacon House. Everthing about the program is postive.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Ensure that it was part of the CFC Combine Federal Campaign so that Beacon House could get state as well as federal funding.
December 29, 2010
Beacon House is a service that is an asset to any community. Without such services I would not be where I am today. The staff as well as the surrounding community activities are what helps to keep the clients grounded and strive to better themselves. The program is a lesson that sticks with you, it helps you to stay focused. I thought I could beat my sickness on my own. I couldn't, I tried the VA, and serveal other programs, but not until I went to Beacon House did I understand what I was facing, you see I was old when I went into my addiction, therefore I thought I knew everything, I could stop when ever I wanted to, I lied to myself and my family. I think my last resort was Beacon house and when I first went there I was a hot shot and hard headed. However once I began to listen and work the program I began to see a light at the end of the tunnel, before I was in a cave of darkness and didn't know it. I continue to live by the program I was taught at Beacon House one day at a time. I encourage the program and I know for a fact anyone that is seeking help that ends up on Beacon House door step will succeed if they believe in the program, stay focus, follow the rules and do there part to beat the addiction, will forever be grateful to Beacon House I know I am and so is my family I put them through hell. I have been clean going on 9 years and owe a very large debt to Beacon House for my well being.
Fredric Gaines
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've been clean 8 years because of the program at Beacon House. Everthing about the program is postive.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Ensure that it was part of the CFC Combine Federal Campaign so that Beacon House could get state as well as federal funding.
December 9, 2010
August 3rd, 1998 is my Clean & Sober date. I was referred by the Long Beach VA medical Center. I was 48years old and the King of my Kingdom, a very large ego with low self-esteem. I had always lived life on my terms; not anyone else's. This sanctuary brought God into my life and taught me how to become a compassionate member of society. I fought the process all the way, finally at five months under Jake S. & Bill M's direction I turned my will over and developed the faith and courage to just let go and learn how to follow another's direction.
I have been a positive part of the Beacon House program for this past 12.5 years coming to the House each day in the morning and evening. There have been many changes during these years, most of them have been very good. I would make one suggestion, a very high amount of the Alumni don't come around, this is true. I have heard them say they are living a good life and if Staff doesn't particularly care for how they are presently living they are made to feel unwelcome. I have seen good clean & sober Alumni be told they can't be in the pit for simple things like they are wearing sunglasses or are wearing a hat backwards. When they are told to take sunglasses off or turn hat around they say ok then don't come back. I still facillitate Monday night phase II peer group and do my best to follow the rules of primary, sometimes I fall short. I facillitated a wednesday feelings group for nine years until the Program Director decided to cancel the group when I was on vacation one year. I also have been facillitating an Alumni Panel for primary this past eight years. I am grateful for all these opportunities to give back to the men of The Beacon House. The Beacon House is a place where men become responsible, active, positive members of Society.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
All aspects of my Life.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Lighten up on the Alumni.
December 7, 2010
There is no doubt that Beacon House is great at what it does and it has miles to go helping an individual regain confidence in their selves. When it seemed to me I had no hope I was shown unconditional love and compassion from strangers that became my friends.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I was able to change my whole attitude and outlook on life which gave me the tools necessary to begin rebuilding my life and become a productive member of society.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The way I see it results are achieved just the way it is.
December 1, 2010
Arriving at the Beacon House, I was a border line sociopath with trust for no one including myself. Totally dishonest to self and others, delusional, irrational and most of all fearful and insecure of social acceptance, family relationships, financial responsibilities, and having a secure safe place to live. I was unable to accept the truth about my life and actions early on in my recovery, but with patience, tolerance and love from peers, sponsor, staff and alumni, I was able to accept some facts about myself, which in-turn became assets I use to help others in a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Today, I am a healthy member of society with a growing faith in a power greater than myself which guides me through life to seek out and help others without self-seeking motives. I recommend the Beacon House for anyone looking for the truth within
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I am a Alumni of the Beacon House and current resident of 6 years.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The Beacon House evolves, because it is a work in progress like all of its residence, alumni and staff.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
Referred to by social service agency
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
Willingness, humility, self-sacrifice, asking for help, honesty, integrity, faith in and a relationship with a power greater than myself, relationships with others. Loving and caring for the next man. Process resentments.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
November 17, 2010
To get an accurate review you really need to ask some of the older Alumni. There is no doubt that Beacon House is great at what it does but it has miles to go in the way do they it. The Beacon House is great at churning out great short term success stories but the program's lack of transitional services is evident in their long term numbers. And not just in the number of Alumni that have stayed sober, but the number who actively participate in mentoring the men in the program. The Beacon House has done a great job of walling itself off from the rest of the world and building a cult-like environment. This may be helpful in the short term but I am still dealing with the long term effects of this social isolation. This program would be much more effective if certain personalities weren't given such a dominant voice and the men were aloud to interact with Alumni that have wondered down different paths. This is where the program breaks down. I'm sure that if you did a study you would find that a great majority of the Alumni who have long term sobriety are those who rejected the dominant social hierarchy and "suggested" courses of action. The fact that the men in primary and "second phase" are not allowed to tap into that wealth of experience is disheartening to say the least. It's frustrating because I feel i have a lot to offer but I cannot simply .
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
a personal relationship with a higher power and an introduction to the 12 step process.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
add a transitional services staff member that is independent from the program staff to assist men who are leaving "second phase" adjust to the real world.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Unsure
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Okay
How did you find this group?
Through an acquaintance.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
Taught me how to live a productive life.
October 6, 2010
My life was a mess! The beacon house has given me a new chance at life; they've given me food, shelter, and treatment. They truly care about what they are doing.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my daily life
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Dedicated
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
October 6, 2010
the beacon house has changed my whole outlook on life and has made me a better person today, I would sugest this program to anyone who really wants to change.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
in everything, my behavour, attitude, and my feelings towards myself and others. The Beacon House is a great orginization.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
September 23, 2010
Miracles happen here. I've been a witness to literally hundreds of lives touched in a positive way by the work that is done by both the men and their families. Men who were without hope find their moral compass and its gratifying to watch them forge an entirely new path in the world. What touches me the most is the way you see these men time and time again turn around to offer a hand to those who follow behind. Lives are saved; families are saved; the community is strengthened and the world is a better place because of Beacon House.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Working on behalf of the Beacon House has changed my life.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
1997
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