Sheepgate (Adult + Teen Challenge) Men’s Campus & Car Donation Center

Sheepgate is located in suburban Omaha, Nebraska. They're been around for over 40 years and are a division of the established Adult and Teen Challenge of the Midlands. They take the same faith based approach to recovery. Sheepgate serves teens and adults.

The Omaha location hosts their men's programs. Something about this program that I think deserves attention is that at the time of writing, there's only a $20 application fee and a $1000 fee when you begin the program. The program lasts one year.

A Structured Residential Program Between Colfax and Omaha

Something I find so fascinating about Sheepgate is that the men's program takes place in two locations. The first seven months are spent on a gorgeous 80 acre property in Colfax, Iowa. The last five months see you move into a historic residence in Omaha.

The different locations reflect the different phases of the program. A lot of the groundwork is set during the first seven months. The final stretch is preparing you for reintegration into your community, so it's a less secluded location. Both residences boast a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

A Christ Centered Approach To Recovery

I think the biggest thing differentiating this program from others is that they don't follow a traditional therapeutic model. They follow nondenominational Christian teachings to guide people to recovery through Christ.

What this means is the staff aren't licensed counselors or therapists, and the program itself isn't therapy based. The basis of the program is fellowship and community. You'll participate in Biblical courses and receive individual mentoring as you learn to walk this path.

Restoring the Whole Person Through Faith

One thing they do have in common with traditional therapy, however, is the focus on whole person healing. Though the approach may be different, their focus is still on elevating and healing every part of your life so you can thrive in recovery.

This is done through practical skills development and training. One of their focuses, for example, is work ethic. I like this because it recognizes how important holding a job is to maintain sobriety. It grants structure and brings a feeling of fulfillment.

And I think that's the biggest benefit of the year-long length of the program. You spend more time focusing on yourself to get a better understanding of what it is you need to work on.