VERO BEACH — Jack and Mary Jane Hanley just celebrated a very important 25th anniversary. Resulting from their own personal experiences with addiction and alcoholism, Jack and Mary Hanley created a world-class treatment center called the Hanley Center in West Palm Beach 25 years ago.
They experienced firsthand how proper diagnosis, treatment and care can save lives and mend families so they chose to dedicate their lives to sharing with others what they had learned.
Since then, the treatment programs offered at Hanley Center, including the Vero Beach location, Gate Lodge of Hanley Center, have helped thousands of individuals and families struggling with addiction find their way from hopelessness to hope.
The existence of Gate Lodge Hanley Center located on the campus of the Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach carries out the Hanley’s vision three counties north of the initial center.
Gate Lodge is an integral part of Hanley Center’s goal to provide quality care and hope to individuals, families and communities affected by the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.
“Our mission is to give hope to individuals, families and communities affected by alcoholism and drug addiction through high quality treatment, family support and community prevention programs,” said Arnie Kampa, Executive Director of Gate Lodge Hanley Center.
Kampa went on to explain, “Gate Lodge is a 20 bed inpatient facility which provides a 28-day recovery program structured around the 12-step philosophy.”
“The staff includes a certified addiction professionals and volunteers from the recovery community who serve as mentors and help each patient create a solution-based, effective design for living.” Kampa added.
“At Gate Lodge, professional therapy with the addition of using community resources, creates a symbiotic coexistence which provides an excellent system for program success,” said John Dyben, Hanley Center’s Clinical Director.
“Gate Lodge uses a system called 12-step immersion where people will learn how to live out the 12 steps in their lives after they leave,” Dyben explained.
Priced at $4,200 per month, Gate Lodge Hanley Center serves as an accessible and cost-effective treatment option for people subject to relapse and those who have already tried and/or completed standard treatment. It also welcomes people in long-term recovery looking to reinforce their substance-free way of life. Gate Lodge also offers an outpatient program that meets three times a week.
To clarify the distinction between the previous named Hanley Hall and the current facility named Gate Lodge Hanley Center Dyben recounted the historical perspective.
“Hanley Hall, which was located at the same facility as Gate Lodge is now, was an independent organization supported by the Hanley family, ” Dyben said. “It closed in 2009 due to difficult economic times. It was not part of the Hanley Center.”
“The facility has since re-opened in 2010 as Gate Lodge Hanley Center and is an extension of the Hanley Center of West Palm Beach,” Dyben said.
Gate Lodge Hanley Center is made up of many entities. Caron Treatment Center is part of the Gate Lodge Hanley Center. The Caron organization is known for treating adolescents and young adults and Hanley enjoys a solid reputation for its boomer and older adult programs.
“Working together here in Indian River County provides a continuum of treatment programs,” said Caron Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Drew Rothermel.
“Tonight is about raising money for the Jay Morgan Scholarship Fund for the Gate lodge location in Indian River County,” said Rothermel who attended the Celebrate Hope event.
“Gate Lodge Hanley Center turns away two to three people a week who are seeking treatment at its facility because they can’t afford it,” said Kathy Hurt, the Center’s Director of Development. “This is our greatest challenge and we are committed to meeting the needs of others.”
Late Indian River County Firefighter John “Jay” Morgan made it one of his missions to try to provide treatment for such people after a person he took for treatment was turned away for lack of money. After his death from brain cancer in January 2010, this scholarship fund was founded to continue his efforts.
Among the many guests in attendance at Coste D’ Este Saturday evening for the Celebrate Hope benefit dance was Dion Dimucci.
A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and is best remembered for the 1961 singles “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer,” Dion attended the event to show his support of Caron and Hanley Center Gate Lodge.
“I came tonight to support these organizations who are doing such excellent work for people in recovery,” Dion explained.
With a circle of people surrounding Dion with questions about his impressive career and contributions to the music industry, Dion surprised everyone with his modest disclaimer, “Hey, if I didn’t know me, I might be impressed!”
He went on to explain a profound experience in his life.
“Someone helped me 42 years ago,” he said. “He guided me, listened to me, and reached out to me. I have not had a drink or done any drugs since. That person had a huge effect on my life.”
“That is why I am here tonight.” Dion went on, “To support this effort in breaking down the barriers which may cause people from getting the help they need.”
Dr. Rachel Docekal, CEO, Hanley Center Foundation was also in attendance Saturday evening. “We are all here to raise money for the J Morgan Scholarship fund,” said Docekal. “The Hanley Center and Gate Lodge Hanley Center helps save lives and mend families.”
Jamie Kirkendall, local business owner of Waves Car Wash and Vero Beach resident was in attendance on the evening of the Coste D’ Este event.
“Tonight is a real celebration of hope.” Jamie said as she looked around the room filled with supporters. “Without hope we are lost. This community provides that for so many people and Gate Lodge Hanley Center is an extraordinary part of Vero Beach.”
