The Basics
Founded in 2003 in the Atlanta suburb of Lawrenceville, Georgia, by a father and son team, Joel and Brett Bagley, Purple provides extended care and transitional living to men. The clients have typically completed the primary care phase of treatment and are looking for additional support to help with the transition to sober life. Purple was inspired by Brett’s own recovery. After struggling with addiction as a teen, he got clean and sober and started working at a drug rehab, followed by a position at an esteemed Atlanta mental health hospital. In 2001, Brett and his father Joel both began the process of becoming certified addiction counselors. They opened Purple a couple years later. At Purple, their mission is to provide a structured environment where men can learn basic life skills, get work and delve into the 12 steps.
Accommodations and Amenities
Purple has a 26-bed capacity, with two bunkhouses, each holding 13 men. Clients are accommodated in a dorm-style area, which includes five bunk beds, and three twin beds. Storage units, which are also used as wall dividers, allow for some privacy and linens are provided.
The guys receive a weekly food allowance, which ranges between $80 and $100, which is used towards the purchase of groceries. Often clients will go food shopping as a group. Purple provides some basic food items including Ramen noodles, and pancake mix. The men are responsible for their own meal preparation, which is conducted in the main building.
The bunkhouses are essentially used for sleeping, and storing personal items and clothing. Besides a kitchen, the main building includes a recreation room, vending machines, a music room, a common area with couches and large flat screen TVs, and a huge group therapy room where house meetings and counseling are conducted. Offices are in the back of the main building. Staff lives on the premises.
Rules and Regulations
Prior to admission, staff conducts a phone interview with potential clients to ensure that they are a good fit for Purple. They look for those who are willing to make the changes required for a successful sober lifestyle. Typically, clients have undergone primary care at a rehab, but others are accepted on a case-by-case basis. After a successful phone call, clients meet with staff for a face-to-face interview.
The length of stay at Purple is between four and six months. Upon arrival, clients are immersed in an intensive schedule. Requirements include participation in daily group meditation, five weekly group sessions, individual therapy and daily 12-step meetings. Groups focus on the disease of addiction, goal setting and motivation. A CADC, or a staff member who is in recovery facilitates the groups. Clients are expected to find sponsors and work their steps. After 30 days, clients are expected to get job, and are provided with vocational guidance. The curfew is 11 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and one am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Extras
Since the program was founded by a father-son team, Purple is adamant about helping family members. Their family program includes group and individual therapy, as well as attendance at Family Anonymous meetings. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the men go to the gym, and on Friday evenings, they go bowling. Weekends include a plethora of recreational activities including hiking and camping.
In Summary
The men at Purple, along with staff, enjoy a strong sense of camaraderie. From sharing a sleeping area with several clients to participating in large group sessions, clients can’t isolate. They learn to rely on each other, as well as to provide support. Many of Purple’s alumni’s act as sponsors, as well as volunteer their time to help residents and speak at meetings. This unique organization offers men a chance at a new way of life with the added bonus of family support and a built-in community.
Purple
1958 Cruse Rd
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Purple Cost: $2,500 (30 days). Reach Purple by phone at (678) 572-6856 or by email. Find Purple on Facebook and LinkedIn
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Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
