Spring Lake Ranch Therapeutic Community is a residential treatment program in Vermont that offers individuals with mental illness or substance abuse issues an opportunity for healing through work and community participation. We serve adults (18+) with schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, depression, dual-diagnosis and other mental illnesses. Since 1932, our core belief has been that the process of healing and recovery can best take place in a setting that is supportive and respectful, where people are treated as individuals, and are expected to contribute to the daily life. In the midst of working together a sense of belonging develops from which trust, self-esteem and growth are natural consequences. Residents typically come from a hospital or rehab, but can also come from home or college. They work five hours a day, side by side with staff on our 600 acre farm. Through their work with the farm animals, in the garden, furniture shop, or woods, residents get back on their feet by challenging themselves to move forward and gain confidence along the way. In the evenings and on weekends we offer wellness and leisure time activities including dual diagnosis and coping skills groups, NA and AA meetings, a Hearing Voices support group, basketball, pottery, skiing, music, and yoga. After learning new skills at the Ranch, many residents move into our transitional and extended programs, which provide a full continuum of care in nearby Rutland, VT. Our goal is to help people move from hospitalization or period of to an independent life. The sense of belonging to the community and the commitment to meaningful work, shifts the focus from a person's illness to what a person can do, in spite of great challenge, with the help of a supportive community.
