Greater Bergen Community Action Partnership: The Ladder Project Review
The Ladder Project at the Greater Bergen Community Action Partnership was founded in 2006 in Hackensack, NJ as a men’s halfway house offering substance abuse treatment. Although most of Ladder’s clients are court ordered into treatment, the program does accept self-referred clients as well.
With 20 beds available for men suffering from addiction and chronic substance abuse issues, Ladder provides sober living that incorporates the 12-step philosophy and expects clients to actively work a program in AA/NA.
Accommodations and Amenities
Clients live in a large single-family home in Hackensack that accommodates up to 20 men at a time. The house is a charming Victorian style with a covered porch in a quiet residential neighborhood. Each client has his own individual room with a twin bed and closet. The house has rooms on the main floor dedicated to individual and group counseling. Ladder also has a large backyard with workout equipment for client use during downtime.
Ladder has a staff chef who prepares and serves the residents three meals a day. Although the chef cooks meals from a set menu of traditional American fare, the chef can accommodate dietary restrictions and need. The house also has snacks and sandwiches available in the kitchen throughout the day.
Rules and Regulations
Clients entering Ladder must have already completed primary care at an outside facility or provide proof that they have been sober for over 30 days.
Ladder screens potential clients over the phone first to make sure its sober living program is a good fit. If the client is in need of detox or more intensive services—such as a residential or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)—they are referred to outside programs.
During the first two weeks of their stay, Ladder has a “blackout period” where clients are not allowed to leave the house unsupervised. In the spirit of service, residents volunteer at the Center for Food Action and help package and distribute food to the needy and homeless. In the evenings, clients attend group and individual sessions as well as local 12-step meetings. The group meetings are led by a CADC who uses CBT and teaches relapse prevention. Individual counseling is scheduled based on the needs of each client.
Following this initial trial period, clients are given a bus pass and are required to find a full time job. Men attend individual and group meetings three nights a week in the evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Clients are also regularly administered breathalyzer and drug tests while in living in the house. Ladder does not specifically support dual diagnosis but does accept clients with mental health issues.
Extras
Although Ladder does not have an official aftercare program, staff members do make sure that clients have an exit plan when leaving the house—including connecting the client with a local outpatient program and ensuring that they have a safe living environment.
Ladder does not have a family program but does refer family members to local Alanon meetings.
Summary
The Ladder Project is a great fit for men in the Hackensack area who have already completed an inpatient program or IOP and need a temporary sober living environment as they transition into independent lives. With a built-in community and recovery structure, clients gradually develop the skills to live autonomously as contributing members of their community.
Greater Bergen Community Action Partnership: The Ladder Project Location
The Ladder Project
261 State St
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Greater Bergen Community Action Partnership: The Ladder Project Cost
$360 (30 Days). Reach The Ladder Project by phone at (201) 342-0029 or by email.
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