How much does the program cost?
We strive to keep our costs as low as possible and work with each individual and their personal financial needs. Current tuition is $8,000 for 8 weeks.
For more detail please call us @ (207)416-2115
What is your success rate?
Many folks ask us what our success rate is. We have always found this to be a challenge- to give a percentage or attach a number to the success of an individual and their various areas of struggle.
Do we do as many other programs do and pick one criterion? No.
What is that criteria? Holding employment? Sobriety? Something else? And then from whose perspective do we view this? Parents? Family? The Individual?
Rather than looking at our folks and choosing any singular area to judge their successes, we look at the overall progress and changes made and assess how long they have sustained those changes.
With this in mind, from our start in 2012 to present, we have served approximately 190 individuals.
Of that number of students we have found less than 10% who do not meet our high standard of sustained change.
This means approximately 90% find themselves in a better position to continue improving their lives.
This is not to say that there are not bumps along their progress, but more importantly, they have pushed through and continued forward toward their life goals and stability.
There is so much more to factor in with an individual and that is the difference at Northwoods.
People are not numbers. They are individuals we come to care greatly for and are willing to go above and beyond to help.
This is why Northwoods is the best option for men needing a chance to change and improve their lives.
What is a normal day like?
Individuals in sober living must hold fulltime employment, volunteer, and/or attend meetings and appointments to help maintain, to continue the necessary support and care needed for sustainable change and sobriety.
For those that do not have regular work schedules and are in higher levels of service, Residential Life Skills, we follow a similar schedule as seen below. (This is an example and each day may vary)
6:30 am: Gym
7:30 am: Animal care
8:30 am: Breakfast
9:00 am: Chores
10:00 am: Meeting
11:00 am Activity – agricultural, community, or other
12:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 pm: Continue Activity
4:00 pm: Animals
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:00 pm: Evening chores
8:00 pm: Rest / downtime
10:00 pm: Lights out
Each day varies at Northwoods.
Days include agricultural projects, sports and fitness activities, group and individual meetings, wilderness outings, and a variety of both physically and mentally beneficial activities.
As a small, individualized program, we are able to adjust what we do to fit the needs of our members, better targeting their areas of concern and guiding them through the process of change.
How many other men will be in the program?
Northwoods strives to maintain low numbers to ensure individual needs are met.
We serves up to 8 individuals
As part of our unique program, we understand the more personalized attention each person receives, the greater their opportunity for success.
Can families visit?
Families may not visit during the 8 week programming, however will need to be schedule a time to come at completion with Northwoods Administration.
Does Northwoods offer therapy?
No, Northwoods offers, life skills and experiential activities to help each individual and the group has a whole learn and discover themselves, their limitations, their needs, and their abilities.
Are there any disorders or behaviors that will disqualify a member from enrollment?
Yes, due to the unique nature of our program, there are disorders and behaviors that are not conducive to the environment provided by Northwoods. Each potential candidate is thoroughly assessed and information gathered to determine appropriateness
We will not accept students who exhibit behavior that has the potential to diminish that environment for other students.
If Northwoods is not a fit for your son/family member, we will be happy to recommend a program that may be more appropriately suited for his needs.
Can I send a package or letter?
Member mail is sent to:
PO Box 99
Orrington, ME 04474
All mail must be labeled In Care of Northwoods and sent via USPS.
Mail is distributed weekly
How can I connect with Northwoods on social media?
Do you accept insurance?
Northwoods Ranch & Retreat does not accept or bill insurance.
What if someone has mental health or other needs that are not provided at Northwoods?
Northwoods is aware that some members come to us and struggle with a variety of issues from sobriety to life skills to mental health issues.
While we do not treat mental health or offer substance abuse treatment at Northwoods, we can assist with making community connections to ensure our members receive all necessary care for their success.
Note: All individuals requiring medications must have these on admission and refills sent as necessary.
What happens after the 8 week program?
Once successfully completing the 8 weeks an individual recommendation will be made. This may include but not be limited to transitional housing, sober living, community services, and other necessary steps for success.
For those seeking a step down to a sober living environment please see Soberlivingmaine.com