The Vince Smith Center

"We are here to help you as we work together toward new beginnings"

The Vince Smith Center

Steven Hill, Program Director
email: [email protected]

Office: 239-338-2306

Fax Number: 239-338-2383

Hours of Operation (Education Office)
8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Program Overview

The Vince Smith Campus offers education opportunities for all students grades 6 through 12 in a differentiated classroom experience. Highly-qualified instructor Barbara Knapp and paraprofessional Melony Auer guide students through rigorous and district-aligned curriculum to make sure no one falls behind during the rehabilitation process. Students can expect to participate in both direct group instruction and independent study to stay on-track academically. Credit recovery programs are also available to help students catch up. Special services include reading and math coach assistance and guidance counselor consultation upon admission and whenever requested.

Mission

SalusCare,Inc. at the Vince Smith Campus provides effective, affordable, and comprehensive care to individuals and families impacted by addiction and other problem behaviors.

Service Philosophy

SalusCare Inc. at the Vince Smith Campus Adolescent Residential Treatment Program is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing the complex needs of young adults between the ages of 13-17 involved in the use and abuse of drugs, alcohol and emotional problems.

Treatment at the Adolescent Program will focus on identifying factors, which precipitate and maintain abuse and addiction, the elimination of the abuse or dependency and the development of rewards and alternatives through building a lifestyle and support system conducive to recovery. Any mental health conditions will be treated concurrently while addressing addiction issues.

Services

The Vince Smith Campus offers individuals, family and group counseling in addition to Lee County School District, psychiatric care and access to 12 Step meetings. The youth participate in the on-site Ropes Course while in treatment. We work closely with the local juvenile justice systems to coordinate services while the youth is in and transitioning from treatment. A parenting group is also provided for the caregivers of the residents. A continuing care program is offered to residents once they have completed the residential/day treatment program.

Expectations

The anticipated length of stay for the residential program is 3 to 4 months. All patients are expected to review, learn and comply with program rules.

School-Education

School is an important part of the treatment process of each resident. In the classroom, each resident is encouraged to develop his or her ability. As part of the psychosocial history, patients are assessed to determine educational needs. Qualified teachers perform teaching and instruction in the program classroom.

Instruction is individualized to meet the needs of each resident. Equally important to the attainment of academic skills is the development of appropriate behaviors in the classroom. Residents are encouraged to respect the needs of other residents, to follow the rules of the classroom and to relate to the teacher in an appropriate manner. Behavior and progress in school are an essential part of the overall progress in the program.

Prevention Services

Project SUCCESS (Schools Using Coordinated Community Efforts to Strengthen Students)

  • program designed to prevent and reduce substance abuse

Family Intervention Specialist

  • provide awareness, education, and support to families

Phoenix Curriculum

  • core evidence based gang prevention program

Great Body Shop (GBS)

  • comprehensive substance abuse, violence abuse and health curriculum

Challenge Ropes Course

  • promote team building
Health and Wellness Program
  • involves reducing the use of illicit and non-illicit drugs through educational strategies, healthy living alternatives and guidance

Educational Program Staff

James Buchanon, Principal

Harriett Henderson, Academic Counselor

Theresa Lee, Teacher

Jacqueline Pachiva, Instructional Support