Gandara Center staff believe that the bonds between people are key to breaking the cycle of addiction, and we apply this philosophy to the recovery process and case management at our residential substance abuse facilities. Services which reduce isolation and emphasize connections to the community, help clients get back their self-esteem and better identify the pathways out of addiction. Gandara strives to engage families, partners, and community in the recovery process. Women in particular respond best to treatment when it is done in the company of others.

Providing a home base and therapeutic structure for clients enhances a culture of recovery and builds on the client’s strengths.The recovery homes offer safe and sober environments for people to learn skills to live independently.In some cases, it is a safeguard for clients who might be in danger of becoming homeless.

Gandara Addiction Recovery Program (GARP)

For Spanish-speaking men suffering from chemical dependency, Gandara offers a 37-bed facility for an up to six-month treatment after detoxification.The program is open only to Spanish speakers providing linguistic and culturally sensitive services and a therapeutic environment.

Increased community integration activities such as enrollment in educational, vocational skills training and/or employment is an important part of programming. Services also include diagnostic assessment, individual and group counseling, family consultation, psychiatric assessment/monitoring, relapse prevention, introduction to self-help groups, health and HIV/AIDS education, finance management, case management, recreational/ social activities and transportation. Service coordination needs may include the removal of pending criminal warrants, DSS involvement, and treatment and medication regimens for chronic medical disorders. Experience has demonstrated the benefits of additional time and services in increasing the recovery potential of our clients.

Serenity House

Serenity House offers supportive housing in efficiency apartments in Chicopee, to women in recovery from substance abuse. Participants must have completed treatment and have a minimum of six months of documented recovery.

A transitional home, Serenity House offers a haven for clients for up to one year. Case workers teach life skills, job skills, and advocacy around medical and mental health issues. Case management includes referrals to many community-based services including; behavioral health, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, primary care and other social service agencies.

Supportive Housing Services - Miracle House

Single adults in recovery and people living with HIV have a home at a Springfield Housing Authority-sponsored site, Miracle House.Individuals must qualify for low income housing and be willing to reside in a sober living environment.

Gandara arranges on-site support groups and other self-help groups, and on site case management, including; referrals to HIV/AIDS case management, links to primary care providers and other social service agencies, and registration in benefit programs for which the client may be eligible.

GRSW Residential Services for Women

The program serves women involved in the criminal justice and DSS systems, and includes a limited number of clients from the Department of Mental Health. This is a structured residential setting, designed to work with female substance abusers, including pregnant women and women with newborns.

Clients are introduced back into the community through a staged program including; enrollment in education, vocational skills training and/or employment.Services also include diagnostic assessment, individual and group counseling, family consultation, psychiatric assessment/monitoring, relapse prevention, introduction to self-help groups, health and HIV/AIDS education, finance management, case management, recreational/ social activities. Service coordination needs may include the removal of pending criminal warrants, DSS involvement, and treatment and medication regimens for chronic medical disorders.

Supportive Case Management For Community Housing

This program offers permanent housing to families affected by substance abuse. Families affected by addiction must make application to the state and meet the state eligibility criteria before being placed in this housing.

Because they are so young in their sobriety, and many have had multiple treatment failures, these clients do not have the luxury or the option of leaving their children and engaging in treatment. This program takes the recovery work into the home.

Case workers assist families in enrolling in WIC, and provide them with community-based services. In addition clients are assisted with child-raising needs such as visits to school conferences. Participation in groups that deal with parenting, substance abuse, and community resources is encouraged.

New Wave/Nueva Onda

New Wave/Nueva Onda is a substance abuse treatment and HIV/AIDS prevention/treatment program serving Latino and African-American adolescents aged 13-17 and young adults ages 18-24 who reside in the geographic area of the the North End, South End, Mason Square and Liberty Heights neighborhoods of Springfield, Massachusetts. Hard to reach adolescents and young adults with serious substance abuse problems and co-occurring mental health disorders are the intended population for New Wave/Nueva Onda services.