BACKGROUD AND HISTORY

ARCH was founded in 1969 as a recovery home for alcoholics with a housing capability of eight residents at 2069 State St. in Granite City, Illinois. It has since evolved and expanded to its current status as a state licensed III.I Extended Care Residential Treatment Facility with a capacity of twenty-four residents. ARCH moved across the street in 1987 to the current address of 1313 21st St., Granite City, Illinois. ARCH receives funding from the State of Illinois Department of Human Services Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (DASA), the Madison County Mental Health (708) Board, Madison County Community Development, and United Way.

Our philosophy of a peer-based support network via staff direction has proven to be effective and rewarding for over 37 years. There is a strong emphasis on accountability and responsibility while at ARCH, providing necessary skills for a successful re-integration back into society. We help not only with the initial stage of recovery, but are involved with the person in gaining the skills necessary to be successful in the world. ARCH utilizes the biopsychosocial model of Relapse Prevention developed by Terence Gorski and the Cenaps Corporation. Employees of ARCH have been certified as Relapse Prevention Therapists and two are presently in pursuit of certification by attending Gorski’s workshops and practical application of his strategies. Many ARCH graduates have become counselors or aides, using these proven skills to help others promote change in their lives as well.

There is so much to do now to open this opportunity to women in the community. We are scouting for a home for ARCH for Women. We are seeking a safe transitional living facility where we might teach women recovery skills to live life on life’s terms, a home for women where we could continue to support our programs and expand services. There are a lot of opportunities for anyone who wants to get involved. We welcome any ideas.

We are very grateful to have evolved into a successful men’s program in the Metro East and to be able to claim the success rates we have tracked. To date we find a 25% completion rate for those people completing the entire six month program.