In Lancaster, Kentucky, an exciting and transformative project is underway that promises to change the lives of many struggling with addiction. A Catholic facility, the Cliffview Retreat and Conference Center, is set to be converted into a comprehensive addiction treatment center. This is the result of a groundbreaking partnership between the Catholic Action Center (CAC) and the Diocese of Lexington. The collaboration aims to address the growing addiction crisis in Kentucky by offering a compassionate, faith-based recovery facility that incorporates modern therapeutic methods.
The Vision: A New Chapter for Cliffview Retreat
The Diocese of Lexington recently announced that it would lease the Cliffview Retreat and Conference Center—a rarely used property—to the Catholic Action Center. Over the next three years, CAC will develop the center into a fully operational addiction treatment facility known as Divine Providence Way at Cliffview. As part of the agreement, CAC will have the option to purchase the property after the lease period ends.
The name “Divine Providence Way” reflects the facility’s mission to offer holistic, faith-based recovery services to individuals battling addiction. The center aims to not only help individuals recover from substance use disorders but also to foster personal growth, self-sufficiency, and long-term rehabilitation. This new project represents a hopeful new direction for those in Kentucky who have struggled to find appropriate support for addiction treatment.
A Serene Location for Healing
Located on a tranquil 42-acre peninsula where Herrington Lake meets the Dix River, Divine Providence Way at Cliffview will offer participants a serene and peaceful environment that is ideal for healing and self-reflection. The calming surroundings are perfectly suited to a recovery setting, where individuals can focus on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The center’s beautiful location will play an integral role in promoting relaxation and reducing the stress that often accompanies addiction recovery.
In addition to its idyllic setting, the center will incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into its operations. From organic gardening to outdoor therapy sessions, Divine Providence Way will emphasize eco-friendly and nature-based therapies to nurture individuals’ connection to both the earth and their own healing journeys. This sustainable approach aligns with the center’s broader goal of creating a supportive environment that fosters lasting transformation.
Collaboration for Holistic Care
To provide comprehensive care to individuals battling addiction, the Catholic Action Center will work in close collaboration with Mountain Comprehensive Care, a trusted behavioral health provider based in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Mountain Comprehensive Care brings extensive expertise in addiction treatment, offering services that include medical detox, counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and aftercare planning.
This partnership will ensure that participants receive the highest quality medical and behavioral health support, with programs tailored to their individual needs. The center will provide medically supervised detox, as well as individual and group therapy, helping residents work through the emotional and psychological challenges that come with recovery. MAT will be available to support individuals dealing with opioid or alcohol dependence, helping them safely manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings as they progress toward sobriety.
Addressing Kentucky’s Addiction Crisis
Kentucky, like many other states, has been severely impacted by the opioid epidemic. In 2021, Kentucky saw more than 2,000 drug overdose deaths, according to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. The demand for effective, accessible addiction treatment has never been higher, and Divine Providence Way is poised to fill a critical gap in services.
Traditional addiction treatment centers often focus primarily on the clinical aspects of recovery, such as detox and rehabilitation. However, Divine Providence Way will take a more holistic approach, blending faith-based recovery principles with evidence-based therapies. This approach is designed to provide individuals with not only the tools for overcoming addiction but also a sense of purpose and community, both of which are critical to long-term sobriety.
A Focus on Sustainable Recovery
One of the standout features of Divine Providence Way is its commitment to sustainability. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to engage in eco-friendly practices, such as organic gardening, which will not only benefit the environment but also provide them with practical life skills. Additionally, the center will offer vocational training and educational opportunities that empower individuals to build self-sufficiency after treatment.
Job training is an essential aspect of addiction recovery, as many individuals face barriers to employment due to gaps in their work history or lack of skills. By equipping residents with the skills they need to secure meaningful work, Divine Providence Way will help break the cycle of addiction and promote long-term recovery and economic stability.
Faith-Based Support: An Integral Component of Healing
Faith-based recovery programs have long been recognized for their positive impact on addiction treatment. Spirituality can provide individuals with a deep sense of purpose, inner strength, and resilience as they navigate the challenges of addiction recovery. Divine Providence Way will offer counseling and support groups rooted in Catholic traditions but will also welcome individuals from all faith backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and nonjudgmental atmosphere.
This spiritual component of recovery will complement the evidence-based therapeutic practices provided at the center, offering a balanced approach to healing. Whether individuals are seeking to deepen their existing faith or explore spiritual practices for the first time, the center will provide a supportive space for spiritual growth. By integrating faith into the recovery process, the center hopes to help individuals discover a sense of hope and renewal that extends beyond their addiction.
Looking Toward the Future: A New Era of Addiction Treatment
The transformation of Cliffview Retreat into Divine Providence Way represents a new era in addiction treatment in Kentucky. This facility will offer a comprehensive, compassionate, and sustainable approach to recovery, providing hope for individuals who may have otherwise felt lost in the face of their addiction.
As the opening date approaches, the Catholic Action Center and Mountain Comprehensive Care will continue to finalize program details and recruit staff to ensure the center’s success. The first participants are expected to begin arriving in January, marking a major milestone in Kentucky’s ongoing efforts to combat the addiction crisis.
By offering faith-based support, evidence-based therapies, and a focus on sustainability, Divine Providence Way aims to set a new standard for addiction treatment—one that addresses not only the physical symptoms of addiction but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of individuals in recovery.
Conclusion
The addiction epidemic continues to have a devastating effect on communities across the United States, and Kentucky is no exception. However, initiatives like Divine Providence Way at Cliffview provide a much-needed beacon of hope. By combining innovative treatment methods, a beautiful healing environment, and the power of faith, this new facility is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of those struggling with addiction.
The future of addiction recovery in Kentucky looks brighter with the development of this unique treatment center. As the center prepares to welcome its first participants, it serves as a reminder that with the right combination of support, treatment, and community, recovery is possible. Divine Providence Way represents not just a new treatment center, but a renewed sense of purpose and possibility for those ready to take the first steps toward a sober and fulfilling life.
