~ Thoughts from a colleague ~

As a professional in an outpatient private practice in Greenville, SC, referring clients to residential facilities is often one of the most difficult aspects of my job, but nonetheless, one I have to perform often.  Many of my clients need the structure offered in a recovery living environment but there are definite roadblocks to overcome before they get there.  These roadblocks include helping parents realize they need to send their child away, finding somewhere with long- term options, and finding a qualified, competent facility with a genuinely caring staff.  Purple not only offers all of the above, it does it exceptionally in a city brimming with treatment facilities. I know this because I have successfully referred many clients to Purple.  I have sent two sons to Purple - Neil, now 23, at the age of 17 and Quinn, now 26, at the age of 23.  From the minute I initially spoke with Joel Bagley I knew I was in the right hands.  Joel’s calm demeanor reassured me he understood my position, briefly telling me his story regarding his son, Brett, and their journey toward long-term recovery.  With Joel’s wisdom and Brett’s history of fighting for and gaining sobriety, they make a powerful pair.  When you add the experience and knowledge of the rest of their staff, Purple shines as a positive model for treatment options. Purple’s staff understands addiction, how the disease works, and how to lead young men out of it.  They also understand how to work with the families of these young men and the importance of that component in successful treatment.  While they focus on the basics of recovery, they also value the importance of reminding clients they can enjoy life sober, reclaiming the fun and value in living without substances.  I will never forget the first time my son, Neil, called - early in his extended stay at Purple - and exclaimed, “Mom, did you know you can bowl . . . sober!!"  

Their strong alumni program and presence is another reason I like to send my clients to Purple. The fostering of relationships and guidance even after my boys were no longer receiving services at Purple has been invaluable to them. I wish there were more Purples!  One of my long-term goals is to open a treatment facility for females - I’ll call it “Lavender” - and hope to emulate the job Purple does for its’ clients. In my opinion, professionally and personally, those will be big shoes indeed to fill!

~ Campbell Manning, MEd, LPC, Mother of Quinn and Neil
Hope for Families Recovery Center