Transformations at Mending Fences

I was referred to Mending Fences through my substance abuse counselor at the VA. I had a very difficult time in my life after losing everything, several times. Overdose after overdose led to homelessness. I spent 63 days at Mending Fences. There are some incredible people that work there. Nurses, techs, group facilitators, and therapists. I was very skeptical about going to rehab and being indoctrinated in to a religious cult, but I didnt find any of that from any of the groups there. The food is great, and you get to serve yourself. There is also takeout thats brought in on the weekend. A nice variety of groups so its not just NA/AA all day. And there are outings. If youre on the fence about going to treatment, (PUN) this is a great choice. Seriously I am grateful to have had this experience. I will never forget some of the amazing people there that made my life better when I really needed it. Christine, Randy, Johnny, Matt, Lucy, Eric, Shawn, Nurse Christina, Nurse Eric, Nurse Natalia, Nurse Amy. thank you all. I will never forget you.
Mar 25th, 2023

I went through a mental health crisis after losing my dog to cancer. There was extreme grief and substance use which led to me being admitted to a VA hospital. I'm an Army combat veteran but before this crisis I had never asked the VA for help and found the VA hospitalization to be incredibly restrictive. Being locked in a facility with no access to the outdoors was the worst-case scenario for me mentally. I found Mending Fences after searching for equine therapy in Florida and went into it with no expectations other than that there would be a Veteran/First Responder program and horses. What I found was an extremely welcoming community of staff and other clients. The most underrated part of the facility is the music therapy program (Soundpath) run by Serg. Likewise this place could not have found a better person than Johnny to run the Veteran/First Responder program. What I'll miss the most: - Soundpath and Serg's groups. You can get so much from the music therapy without being a skilled musician. It's a judgement-free space to start exploring your musical talent and to connect with others through listening to/learning/creating music. - Johnny and the other veteran clients. If you're a veteran and/or first responder you will find a brotherhood/sisterhood here. You will feel welcomed and find connection with people who share those same life experiences. - Weekly veteran outings. These were some of the best days I had during my time there. It wasn't just the experiences and adventures that made them fun, but that you go on them with the fellowship of veterans and first responders. - Equine therapy. It doesn't matter if you have no experience working with horses, Terri and Dean have a wealth of knowledge that they are more than happy to share with you. You will leave with an understanding of how to handle horses, how to read their emotions, and there are many mental health benefits to spending time taking care of them. - Art therapy. Rosie's art groups are another underrated part of Mending Fences. No artistic ability required, her groups were always peaceful/calming and you will benefit from her strength and understanding. - The techs. I wish I could shout-out all of them individually. They are some of the most patient and kind folks I have ever met. It is not an easy job but I never once saw a tech lose their cool or let stress affect their duty to take care of clients. You will interact with the techs more than any other staff and fortunately Mending Fences has the best group of people for the job. - The cafeteria. It is a luxury to get three hot meals a day, served buffet style at the same time everyday. Don't underestimate how great it is to eat everyday without cooking or doing dishes after. The kitchen staff deserve a big shout-out for their hard work and I consistently saw them go above and beyond to ensure clients' dietary needs were met. - The gym. There is a gym on-site and a personal trainer (shout-out to Marc for his patience and wealth of physical training knowlege). Mending Fences goes above and beyond this by also providing trips to a commercial gym off-property multiple days per week, with no membership cost to you. I highly reccomend Mending Fences and if this review weren't already too long I would keep shouting out staff members there. Among the therapists, the group faciltators, the nusring staff; you will meet some incredible people here. If you're a veteran and/or first responder and on the fence about getting help or trying to decide where to go, I was in the same position and I'm glad I chose Mending Fences.
Mar 5th, 2023

I was hired to play music by Transformations at Mending Fences through Soundpath, which is their music therapy program. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. I had already ate by the time I got there however I was honestly impressed with how good the food looked and smelled. I was honored to play and share some positivity with my songs and stories. I could see how deeply the staff cared about everyone there. Overall I can see them doing some amazing things in peoples lives. I met people first hand and heard from them how they are doing some deep work and healing in this place. Id say if your reading this and looking to make those hard changes in life but need help I think you found your place!
Feb 21st, 2023

Everyone I dealt with at Mending Fences was helpful, caring and professional. It was a true transformation for my family member who was struggling. A life saver! Highly recommend.
Jan 22nd, 2023

I won't share many of stars as of yet. We just had a soul send there; not only for rehab, but for behavior issues. My Prayers are this: That he truly finds Christ, and the Foundation thereof our Savior and Our Messiah That there is a group of believers at Mending Fences driven by the Holy Ghost in his word, not by man's thoughts or his own prudent ideas, but the Atonement of the Christ. The shedding of the blood of the Lamb at the Cross of Calvary. Christ being the Atonement for the Wages of Sin. A hope there is a Christian community that will draw him closer to the faith, not relaying only on Man's Psychiatric Evalution knowing that man thoughts are not 100 percent correct. Its man Spirit we deal wit, that leads him/her into darkness into the path of self destruction. Come to Cross of Christ, be Born again and see the mighty works of the Great I am in still for you. Many Blessing Chaplain/Pastor Wilson
Jan 23rd, 2023