When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Healing Transitions
Why Healing Transitions is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Healing Transitions is a compassionate and innovative nonprofit recovery and rehabilitation center located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It specifically serves homeless men and women struggling with alcohol and drug dependency through gender-specific treatment facilities. With separate campuses for men and women, Healing Transitions offers a long-term mutual-help recovery program that helps individuals rekindle their desire to live meaningful, productive lives. The center provides emergency shelter, non-medical detox, residential treatment, and healthcare services designed to support clients at every step of their journey toward sobriety and stability. Known for its welcoming environment dedicated to freedom, dignity, and hope, this facility meets people where they are, regardless of readiness for change, ensuring that everyone receives the chance for healing and transformation. Approximately 70% of graduates maintain sobriety and become productive members of society one year after completing the program, demonstrating the center’s effectiveness in fostering long-lasting recovery. Healing Transitions' mission focuses on restoring lives, offering shelter, meals, and comprehensive care since 2001, making it a vital community resource in Raleigh.
Here's what people think of Healing Transitions
As of recent, Healing Transitions holds a 4.4-star rating based on 136 reviews.
Reviews of Healing Transitions highlight a generally positive reputation with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 136 reviews. Many users commend the facility for its supportive and gender-specific treatment approach, noting the comprehensive services including detox, residential care, and mutual-help programs that contribute greatly to recovery. Positive reviews emphasize the compassionate staff, the sense of community among clients, and the holistic approach to addiction treatment, which collectively create a nurturing environment conducive to sustained sobriety. Additionally, reviewers have praised the program’s focus on dignity and hope, as well as its consistent success rate of about 70% sobriety one year post-graduation. On the other hand, some negative feedback mentions challenges such as limited space due to high demand, long waiting times, and occasional administrative issues. A few reviews cite difficulties related to the shelter environment and program structure, indicating that not all clients found the transition fully smooth. Overall, the feedback reflects a committed effort by Healing Transitions to transform lives with mostly strong positive outcomes, while also highlighting areas for growth to better serve every individual in need.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
C Bone
Worst experience of my lifetime. If other options are available please explore them. This place is nothing but degrading certain ones. And allowing others to do things that are “against the rules” with no problem. Playing sides is not how to run a business. They’re not helping anyone. In my opinion.
Maya Shmueli
Healing Transitions has a deeply concerning history of rehiring staff who were previously terminated for inappropriate relationships with shelter participants. In one particularly disturbing case, a re-hired employee entered into a romantic relationship with a participant and was later charged with domestic violence against that individual. Despite the seriousness of these incidents, the facility has no clear policies in place to prevent or address these ethical violations. These failures have been consistently ignored by both leadership and the board of directors. The lack of accountability is further reflected in the actions of Executive Director Chris Budnick, who is currently in a relationship with a former participant who later joined the staff. This raises major concerns about the organization’s HR practices, ethical oversight, and the professional boundaries upheld by those in leadership roles. I have repeatedly raised these issues directly with both the board and executive leadership. Despite these efforts, they have refused to adopt even basic policy changes that would protect both participants and staff from further harm. I possess extensive documentation—including audio recordings—in which members of the leadership team openly acknowledge these ethical breaches. I have attempted to share this information with local media outlets, but have received no response, likely due to Healing Transitions’ media partnership with WRAL. If you are considering this facility for a loved one—especially someone under the age of 25—I strongly urge you to reconsider. Healing Transitions is not a safe environment for vulnerable individuals, particularly young adults in early recovery. I am willing to share this documentation with anyone committed to advocating for this underserved population and demanding accountability from this institution.
Brian Willard
I'm sure Healing Transitions have helped a lot of people, and free will is a thing, but: Before you send a loved one here, be advised this is a no-cost homeless shelter focused on recovery, with zero medical staff, only peer counseling.The staff seems to be doing everything they can... BUT: Incorrigible drug addicts and ex-cons often come to Healing Transitions freely, to mainly relieve themselves of legal and real-world responsibilities. They cannot be trusted. Your Alcoholic loved one, if not already introduced to the evils of opiods, Meth, homelessness, and IV drug users, surely will be beckoned and tempted after attending Healing Transitions. There are plenty of attendees who will most willingly drag them down with them - with needles, hard drugs, felony larceny, and homelessness - even though your loved one had never touched hard drugs or a needle before arriving at HT. They may even be eventually found homeless, deceased for over a month and skeletonized in a tent off Poole Rd. as a result, and no tox screens can even be administered. Be advised.
D. B.
Truly a great service in this area. Friendly staff that do care unlike most of the medical professions these days. If you have anything to donate and you can't get by there you can drop off items at Recovered Treasures in terrymore square right off Capt Blvd before the split w N 401.
Jared Arrowood
I was in the CE program I'm autistic and Mercedes Davis always treats the people as if she is god. She is not autisic friendly at all. Im sensitive to bad smells there was this lady that never took a bath and I sprayed some air freshener above her so I could deal with the spell then Ray Michelle and Mercedes put me out because it "Could have caused harm"
How to reach Healing Transitions
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Why rally at Healing Transitions with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Healing Transitions is a unique opportunity to engage in a meaningful and transformative experience together. Unlike a typical social outing, Healing Transitions offers a space where people can connect deeply with one another while supporting healing, growth, and recovery—not just individually, but as a collective. The environment is designed to promote dignity, hope, and freedom, making it ideal for groups who want to share a purposeful, inspiring visit that fosters compassion and mutual support. Whether you and your friends are seeking to understand addiction recovery, volunteer together, or participate in community activities, Healing Transitions provides a foundation where everyone feels valued and included. Its mission to help people at their lowest points and provide a supportive village cultivates a powerful sense of unity and renewed purpose that your group can experience firsthand. This combination of shared experience and heartfelt purpose creates an inspiring setting for meetups that matter, reinforcing bonds through empathy, learning, and collective care.
What activities does Healing Transitions offer for groups?
Healing Transitions offers a range of activities and programs perfect for groups looking to combine social connection with purposeful engagement. At its core, the facility provides long-term recovery programs, including non-medical detox and emergency shelter services specifically geared toward men facing homelessness and addiction. For a group visiting as volunteers or supporters, there are opportunities to participate in community service such as meal preparation and service, helping to reinforce camaraderie and collective contribution. The mutual-help programs and peer-based support groups actively engage participants in recovery journeys, creating an environment where group discussions or shared reflections can thrive. Your friends can attend informational sessions or tours that give insight into recovery efforts and the impact of the programs. The facility encourages group involvement that goes beyond passive observation—engaging in workshops, supportive activities, or even alumni networking events can help a group grow together while contributing to the Healing Transitions mission.
Why is Healing Transitions perfect for a group meetup?
Healing Transitions is an exceptional location for group meetups because it balances a purposeful atmosphere with a welcoming environment that fosters community and meaningful connections. Unlike typical social venues, this place emphasizes dignity and hope, which aligns well with groups aiming to bond over shared values such as empathy, service, or education around mental health and addiction recovery. The facility’s team-oriented and professional approach ensures that groups feel supported and organized during their visits, whether they are there for volunteer work, learning experiences, or community gatherings. Its structure as a nonprofit with a clear mission creates a shared focus, helping groups engage in activities that inspire and build solidarity. Additionally, the emphasis on peer support and long-term relationships among participants and alumni transforms the meetup into not just a one-time event, but a part of ongoing connections and positive impact. This makes Healing Transitions not just a meeting spot, but a place for lasting memories of change and support with your friends.
What makes Healing Transitions’ programs stand out?
At Healing Transitions, the programs stand out because they combine compassionate care with empowering clients through a gender-specific recovery process. The men’s campus focuses on creating an innovative mutual-help program that addresses the whole person, rekindling their drive to live purposefully. This approach includes a non-medical detox option and residential treatment, which reflects a holistic perspective that respects individual dignity while addressing addiction's practical challenges. A remarkable feature is its success rate—approximately 70% of clients maintain sobriety one year after graduating from the program—highlighting the effectiveness of the support and skills imparted. The facility also runs self-care and healthcare clinics within the campus, ensuring comprehensive attention to both physical and mental well-being. These thoughtfully designed services create a nurturing environment that extends beyond crisis intervention to foster long-term recovery, which groups visiting can witness and support in various meaningful ways.
How does Healing Transitions foster a supportive environment?
Healing Transitions fosters a supportive environment through a culture of respect, care, and inclusion. Reviews and testimonials emphasize the organization’s strength in creating a team-oriented and professional space where every individual feels valued. The nonprofit's nonprofit status and commitment to transparency underscore its mission-driven focus, reassuring visitors and supporters of its integrity. The friendly, dedicated staff, including specific mentions of caring team members, enhances this supportive atmosphere by making each person—including visitors and volunteers—feel an integral part of the Healing Transitions community. Peer mentorship models help build trust and mutual encouragement among clients, staff, alumni, and visitors. This culture of shared commitment to freedom, dignity, and hope encourages groups to engage authentically and create meaningful bonds, enriching both the healing process for clients and the experience of those who come to support or participate.
What logistical amenities and services support group visits?
Healing Transitions' infrastructure is designed to accommodate groups with thoughtful logistical support and necessary amenities. The campus provides safe overnight emergency shelter facilities, an aspect that underscores its readiness for immediate needs and long-term stays. While primarily focused on recovery treatment, the facility also offers a healthcare clinic and self-care resources, ensuring the well-being of both residents and visitors engaged with community activities. Significantly, the organization has an established volunteer framework, encouraging group participation that can be customized to various sizes and interests. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the accessible site is well situated for local groups or those traveling from nearby communities. Its professionalism and organization make planning group visits straightforward, with clear points of contact and staff ready to assist in coordinating tours, volunteer shifts, or educational sessions, which enhances the overall experience and impact of a group meetup.
Why should a group interested in mental health and addiction recovery choose Healing Transitions?
Choosing Healing Transitions for a group interested in mental health and addiction recovery means aligning with an organization that exemplifies commitment, demonstrated outcomes, and compassionate engagement. Its 4.4-star rating and positive reviews reflect broad appreciation from past clients and volunteers alike, suggesting reliability and impact. The organization’s mission to offer hope and dignity irrespective of where individuals are in their journey makes it a welcoming and inclusive environment for educational purposes or service-based groups. The peer-support model enhances understanding of addiction recovery as not just clinical treatment but as a community and personal growth process. Groups can witness firsthand the value of wraparound services, sustained alumni support, and the transformation achievable through a focus on holistic well-being. By visiting or volunteering, groups gain insight, build empathy, and contribute actively toward a vital and ongoing public health cause.
What lasting impact can a group expect from visiting Healing Transitions?
A group visiting Healing Transitions can expect to leave with a deep sense of purpose, connection, and inspiration. Exposure to the recovery process, combined with opportunities to support in tangible ways like volunteering or participating in community discussions, fosters empathy and awareness about addiction’s challenges and triumphs. This shared experience can strengthen relationships among group members by uniting them around a cause that embodies hope and resilience. Furthermore, the ongoing alumni network and community involvement encouraged by Healing Transitions provide avenues for groups to maintain involvement beyond a single visit, supporting sustained impact. Participants often come away with new perspectives on mental health, addiction, and recovery, carrying powerful stories and lessons into their personal and social lives. This creates a ripple effect of understanding and support that extends through the group’s wider circles, magnifying the value of their time spent at Healing Transitions.
In summary, Healing Transitions is more than a place to meet—it’s a hub of healing, education, and community building that perfectly suits groups looking to rally together for support, learning, and meaningful contribution. Whether your group’s goal is to volunteer, connect with a cause, or simply learn about the recovery journey, Healing Transitions offers a dignified, hopeful environment where everyone can feel part of something greater. The blend of structured programs, peer support, and welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for gathering friends or family in a shared commitment to positive change and mutual care.