New Jerusalem Now
2011 West Norris Street Philadelphia, PA 19121
About New Jerusalem Now
New Jerusalem Now is a nonprofit residential addiction recovery space located in North Philadelphia, serving adults struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Founded by Medical Mission Sister Margaret McKenna over 35 years ago, the program offers separate tracks for men and women with holistic treatment addressing spiritual, psychological, social and economic dimensions of recovery.
New Jerusalem Now provides compassionate, nondenominational care for marginalized populations affected by homelessness, poverty, and substance use in one of Philadelphia's most underserved neighborhoods.
Residential Addiction Treatment with Holistic Recovery
New Jerusalem Now operates a structured residential program that includes housing, meals and comprehensive substance abuse treatment in rehabbed homes at 20th and Norris Streets. The first two months feature highly structured programming with intensive supervision, followed by group and individual therapy in a non-judgmental environment as residents gain increasing responsibility and freedom.
Residents have daily readings that focus on human values like honesty, forgiveness and respect. They offer programs that teach character-building and leadership methods. They include creative art, therapeutic writing, journaling and poetry to support the healing process.
I've read that residents have reported lasting transformation, with more than half successfully maintaining their recovery.
Community Service and Urban Gardening as Therapy
A distinctive element of the program is community service and urban gardening as recovery therapy. Residents spend two hours daily caring for vegetable gardens, participating in neighborhood cleanup and distributing free food weekly through a partnership with Philabundance. This recovery therapy program reinforces accountability, purpose and connection to the community.
The program offers free or affordable treatment supported entirely by donations and small resident fees, with no government funding.
Amenities
Private Rooms
In order to maintain a sense of autonomy, many private rehab facilities offer clients the ability to choose th...eir own private rooms. The privacy and personal space ensure that the recovery process is as comfortable as possible.

