Dear John,
Thank you for going out of your way so many times to help me and my family. The time you spent on the phone with me that first day I called on your cell phone and the help you provided my family with, made such a difference in my life. It may not have seemed like much at the time, but out of the ten treatment centers I called that day you were the only person to take the time to really talk. I had almost given up before I called The Retreat- the other centers I called that day were all so expensive and the people answering the phones were not at all helpful after they heard I had no money.   You explained what your program had to offer and how it could change my life.  Your kindness and the picture you gave me of The Retreat stood out and I shared with my sister of the place I had heard about and the caring attitude of the staff. After showing interest in a place of recovery, my family jumped at the opportunity to get involved just in time.  

You and so many other people at The Retreat go above and beyond what is asked of you in your professions.   That has been such a blessing to me and my family and I'm sure to many others you have helped.

Thanks for everything,

RS

John (both of you), Debbie, Rishia, and all other Staff of The Retreat:

It is not often that an operation impresses me enough to write a letter of commendation about it, or, of more significance, to refer that operation to friends, family and business contacts.  The Retreat is a gratifying exception.

Through the luck of having a friend who referred me to another friend who then referred me to you, I learned that there was a recovery alternative that might be a good fit for addressing the needs of my son.

If anyone asks, I will tell them that The Retreat offers many positive features, including convenience, affordability, nice facilities, and a peaceful, ambient atmosphere.  I will also tell them that none of these features compel me to say positive things about the program.

My compliments revolve around three Ps, People, Philosophy, and Practice.

Philosophy - I suppose all treatment/recovery programs have some merit, or they would not stay in business.  That said, I had major concerns that my family member would not "fit" well in a clinical recovery environment dominated by MDs, PhDs, and a captured, incarceration-like environment.  With a history of rebellion against authority, a new dose of "authority", no matter how professional and competent, just did not seem to be a fitting solution.  In my mind, putting someone who isolates himself from mainstream society into this type of program would have just lead to increased isolation.  The Retreat's approach seems to be much more "peer" oriented, based more on personal experience rather than textbook theory, and therefore more believable, more palatable, and less threatening.

Practice - I see empathy practiced at The Retreat, but not sympathy.  I see advice, assistance and direction, but not enablement.  I see tools, resources, and alliances provided to facilitate personal growth, but the responsibility for utilizing these resources is placed squarely where it belongs, on the individual.

People - I have yet to talk with someone at The Retreat by phone, or to meet someone in one of your offices, or in the hallways, without encountering courteous, professional conduct and a genuine interest in helping me out.  This is very satisfying but pales in comparison to the genuineness and openness displayed by your staff toward residents, and potential residents, of The Retreat.

In summary, it is your People who make your Philosophy work by the way they Practice it with professionalism, courtesy and genuine concern and sincerity.

I wish you all possible success in growing and spreading your mission and hope that those who pass through The Retreat, including my son, will grow to realize just how lucky they are to have you as a way-station as they choose there future paths in life.

It is my hope that my comments will somehow assist you with explaining your program to potential clients.

Sincerely,

MC

P.S.  I do have one complaint.  I have joined my son for lunch on a few family days and have about five extra, unneeded pounds to show for it.