Do you offer family support?
Yes! Entering a long-term treatment program is something a person cannot do without the support of their families. For this reason, we provide family support as much as possible. We have a John Volken Academy support group for each location, family liaisons, and Program Directors whom you will be connected with when your loved one enters the program.
How can I, as a family member or friend, support my loved one in the John Volken Academy?
We fully understand the stress and fear family members experience with a loved one struggling with addiction. You play an important role in addiction recovery. Your support requires patience, tough love, and faith.
The best way in which you can be of support to your student is to allow them to complete their commitment to the program so they can fully heal and recover. Encourage them and love them from a distance. More importantly, support them in graduating from the program. Here they will remain safe with us, have opportunities to grow and learn, and a chance to heal their potentially broken relationships with you.
What do I need to know as a family member or friend of a loved one entering the JVA?
Your student will need to go through our application process, which includes a medical evaluation. Once accepted, transportation to our facility will be required however, if they plan to fly to one of our locations, we transport them from the airport to our location (see list of acceptable airports). There also is a one-time, in-take fee of $5,000 plus a $2,000 incidental fee. Whatever incidental fee is unused will be refunded when the student graduates. These fees will need to be paid before they are able to enter into our treatment program. After that, there is a short blackout period in which there will be no communication. As the student progresses through the program, they will gain more opportunities to be in touch with others through the mail, email, and telephone calls.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can connect with our John Volken Academy Support Group as well as have direct access to our family liaisons and Program Directors at each facility.
John is often asked why he embarked on this demanding mission. A typical response is:
“The other day, a student made a rather serious mistake…that’s expected. It gave me an opportunity to spend some time with him. After our “heart to heart” we hugged and I told him that I loved him. He responded with tears and said, “My father never said that to me…and how can you love me after all the stupid things I have done?” I reassured him that his mistakes were behind him, and that he was on his way to a new life. That is what the John Volken Academy is all about. Forgiveness and change. There are tears, there are laughs, there is hope, there are struggles, there is change…The transformations are incredible! Every day I am grateful to God for the opportunity to be part of changing lives.”