Addiction treatment center to expand services, double bed count with purchase of new facility

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Christian Recovery Centers, Inc. plans to expand its program to offer up to 24 months of assistance for clients and double its bed count as it purchases a new facility in Shallotte.

“This reentry program is really going to be one of a kind,” said Josh Torbich, CEO of Christian Recovery Centers.

Earlier this month, CRC got a special use permit from the Town of Shallotte to turn an old assisted living facility into the center’s new location. Now, they’re on track to welcome in residents as soon as this fall.

The facility, located at 530 Mulberry Street, used to be home to Shallotte Assisted Living. After that facility closed in 2020, the owners kept up with the care of the building, even buying brand-new appliances for the kitchen.

Torbich says they’re getting the entire building and all its furnishings for $2 million. After closing on May 15, Torbich says $450,000 will be spent on the remaining work. All of that will be covered by donations and money from the state.

Torbich says it’s worth the hefty price tag if it means his team can better address the ongoing opioid epidemic.

“It seems like every single day, our society or the people who are working for the negative end of this thing is actually producing new things to become addicted to every single day,” said Torbich.

With an expansion of services in a county that’s been hard-hit, Torbich hopes CRC can open the doors to change. Right now, CRC only offers a 4- to 6-month recovery plan and doesn’t have any services to help their clients reenter society. The organization’s expanded program will extend that recovery plan for up to 24 months.

“This program has been perfectly curated to fit the needs of people who need someone to support them on a longer-term basis.,” said Torbich. “By the time you discharge from our program, our goal is to make sure you no longer require any additional services other than what you’re able to maintain on your own care.”

In addition to the several residential rooms in the facility, residents will have access to dining areas, a barber shop and an assembly room that will be used for meetings and chapel services. Torbich also hopes to create an outdoor recreation space for residents to use.

Torbich hopes to invite the first residents to the expanded program this fall. More than 100 men will call the facility home, allowing CRC’s women’s program to expand into the organization’s Ash facility. Right now, that program is confined to the newly-opened Rose House in Calabash. In total, CRC will have more than 200 beds available, a sharp increase compared to its current 74-bed operation.

The organization is accepting new residents right now. If you’re interested in one of Christian Recovery Centers’ programs, visit their website.

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