It is not a facility with gates and guards, but rather a home-like environment that welcomes those who are ready to commit to the difficult journey of healing. Most of the residents come voluntarily. Some referred by desperate family members, others arriving after reaching breaking point. What they find is not judgment, but structure, support, and spiritual guidance.

Operating from Moseley Farm, just outside Barberton, the Centre offers a comprehensive in-patient programme addressing drug and alcohol addiction. Their approach integrates the 12-Step Treatment Plan with spiritual counselling, mental and physical evaluations, and skills development. The aim is not only to assist individuals in overcoming addiction but also to equip them with tools for sustainable recovery and reintegration into society.

Pastor Venter, who serves as the Centre Manager and Counsellor, emphasised the importance of holistic healing. “We believe in restoring the whole person - mind, body, and spirit,” she said. “Our programmes are designed to renew the mind and instil a sense of purpose and belonging.”

She has the assistance of a dedicated team of volunteers from the Vollies Church and members from the community.  and the stories they hear daily speak of brokenness and loss, but also of hope. “We see many who come through our doors having lost everything—jobs, trust, even their will to live. But once the healing starts, lives do change,” she said.

The programme is rooted in daily routine: devotionals, chores, prayer, group sharing, and one-on-one counselling. Residents are expected to take responsibility for their lives and for each other, and those who graduate from the programme often remain in touch to encourage newcomers.

Substance abuse, particularly involving alcohol and drugs, remains one of the most significant social challenges in the Barberton area. While the physical toll on those addicted is visible, the hidden damage within families is often more devastating. Relationships break down, children are neglected or exposed to trauma, and homes that should offer safety instead become environments of instability and conflict.

The impact on the community is far-reaching. High rates of addiction often correlate with unemployment, crime, and school dropouts. The Recovery Centre does more than just treat addiction - it addresses the broader emotional and spiritual wounds left in the wake of substance abuse.

The BRC team comprises dedicated professionals, including social workers, a psychologist, a registered nurse, and support staff, all committed to providing compassionate care. Their services extend beyond the Centre, with regular prevention talks at churches and support groups, aiming to educate the broader community about the dangers of substance abuse.

One of the Centre's distinguishing features is its affordability. Recognising the financial barriers many face in accessing quality rehabilitation, BRC strives to make its services accessible to all, ensuring that cost does not hinder recovery.

Testimonials from former residents highlight the transformative impact of the Centre. Many have reunited with their families, secured employment, and embarked on new, fulfilling paths. “Recovery gives you a second chance at life,” Venter remarked, reflecting on the Centre's mission.

While the centre remains modest in terms of resources, its reach is far from small. For many in Barberton and surrounding communities, it has become a quiet force of restoration. One life at a time.

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