A Home Way Addiction Recovery Retreat AHA A Home Away Addiction Recovery Retreat Kelowna, Alberta
I went to a HOME AWAY for 28 days. My sister had researched (too many to mention) rehab facilities....She mentioned this AHA to me, I looked it up on the web and was immediately impressed with the 'so-called' gourmet foods,the massage therapy, etc. I packed my bags and entered treatment at A Home Away, looking for a new start in my life, all that they pack into their introductory statement of their website. Yes, I found the natural surroundings gorgeous and serene, and relaxing...I liked that they boasted only 8 guests at a time . Momentarily I felt cozy as an addict could be. After-all I will get all the attention I need from John Derry right? (That is what he advertises?) Yeah, No...In 28 days of treatment, John spoke to me one on one for 3 hours. Yep, that's it. Read on.. Long story short, John Dery vacated AHA without knowledge to his 'guests (as he presents them on his website) Yes he supplied a replacement (of which I shall not name) but all hell broke loose at the facility with NO EDUCATED counsellor in charge. All eight guests were abruptedly awakened at 1 a.m. to determine to fate of another guest. (Yes., us ADDICTS were were her judge and jury) Are you farking kidding me??? There is SO much that went on in my stay there I could go on and on... The most important thing is that John Derry employed a man in the role of a councillor.... who was previously a guest at a Home Away. Upon this man's intake, John Derry was fully aware of his sexual demons., however he employed him (after only three months of this man being clean) to be a counsellor to his guests!!!!!!!!! Simply said-DEPLORABLE of JOHN DERRY!...What happened to myself as a result of his employing addicts as counsellors (with less than 3 months of sobriety and knowledge of his past behavior ) resulted in ......(guess) I don't like to talk about it, but anyone who considers this facility needs to know I was molested by one of John Derry's employee's..... John Derry does NOT reach out after you give him his money. He does not follow up with his guests. My sister reached out to him many times after I relapsed of nine months of sobriety, he did not return any of her calls. John Derry gives NO shits after you leave his facility, in my opinion, he is a con artist, manipulative, (an addict himself that struggles for his own identity)..and is ignorant to his staff. It has been 3 years since I attended (ahem) treatment there....All staff I knew Have left, any I have been in personal correspondence with some as to thei reasoning. I have nothing to hide anymore, if you would like to contact me please do so at (((ROR redacted))) (including John & Jane Derry) Closing thoughts...more than two thumbs down!
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1 Updates & Rebuttals
TracyD
Airdrie,Alberta,
Canada
Extremely Disapoointed in this Facility
#2Author of original report
Wed, November 11, 2009
I went to a HOME AWAY for 28 days. My sister had researched many rehab facilities and brought A Home Away to my attention. I researched them on the website and was immediately impressed with the fact that they only take 8 guests at a time. Their 'so-called' gourmet foods,the massage therapy, one on one focal sessions also quickly drew my attention.
I packed my bags and entered treatment at A Home Away, anxious and excited looking for a new start in my life (I was seeking all that they boasted about in the introductory statement of their website.)
Yes, I found the natural surroundings gorgeous, serene, and relaxing. Momentarily I felt as cozy as an addict could be. After-all I will get all the attention I need from John Derry right? Yeah, No...In 28 days of treatment, John spoke to me one on one for 3 hours. Yep, that's it.
Within the first week of my treatment, I became witness to many things that were disturbing to me. However, I did not want to disappoint 'anyone' any longer in such infancy of my treatment so I stayed and did not say anything.
Former guests, allowed to visit anytime, stay for as long as they want and many (male) hitting on the current guests. Some former guests arriving after having just used.
Two weeks into my treatment, John Derry vacated AHA without knowledge to any of guests. Yes he supplied a replacement (of which I shall not name) but all hell broke loose at the facility with NO EDUCATED counsellor in charge. All eight guests were abruptedly awakened at 1 a.m. to determine to fate of whether another guest should be allowed to stay or go. (Yes., us ADDICTS were were her judge and jury) Are you farking kidding me??? There is SO much that went on in my stay there I could go on and on.
The most important thing that you, the reader, should take note of is that John Derry employed a man in the role of a councillor.... This particular councillor was previously a guest at a Home Away. (twice as he relapsed). Upon this councillors previous intake session as a guest at A Home Away, John Derry was fully aware of his sexual demons., however he employed him (after only three months of this man being clean) to be a counsellor to his guests!!!!!!!!! Simply said-DEPLORABLE of JOHN DERRY!!!!
What happened to myself as a result of his employing addicts as counsellors (with less than 3 months of sobriety, and a history of unresolved sexual issues) resulted in a worse case scenario for one guest.
John Derry does NOT reach out after you give him his money. He does not follow up with his guests. My sister reached out to him many times after I relapsed of nine months of sobriety, he did not return any of her calls. John Derry gives NO shits after you leave his facility.
Only time I did from him was when all former guests were sent an email that requested 'additional' money (I assume the facility was struggling at the time) and John Derry cleverly disguised his plea for additional monies from former guests usi ng the AA slogan.....Give Back what you have been given!
In my opinion, he is a con artist, manipulative, be-littles addicts in their darkest hours , and also cleverly disguises and protects himself. He has the upper-hand on all addicts afterall doesn't he?....Knowing that their familys/friends have given up on them so who would believe them upon their choice to leave or whether they are dismissed?
It has been 3 years since I have left the facility but still struggle with circumstances that arose from my stay.
John Derry robbed my Mother of her investment in having a healthy daughter. However, I am proud to say I am now back on my journey of healthy living (with NO thanks to A Home Away)
Two thumbs down.