When a person first arrives at El Shaddai’s Refuge, he is allowed to communicate with trusted contacts via U.S. mail. No phone use is allowed so that the resident can focus on becoming acclimated with his new routine.
After completing the acclimation phase and once the director deems the resident ready, the resident will be assigned an ESR cell phone. El Shaddai’s Refuge utilizes Bark Phones with Bark Technology. The Bark Phone helps reduce exposure to potential triggers and harmful content by allowing ESR to control internet access and app usage. These phones also allow for ESR to begin a resident with basic talk and text with trusted contacts and to monitor the phone’s activities for any harmful content. Bark provides real-time location tracking and check-in features. The goal of ESR is to limit access to potentially distracting content so that the resident can focus more on his recovery program and therapeutic activities. The cost for the use of the phone is part of the weekly fees. The resident turns in the phone at the end of his stay at ESR. If the resident damages or loses the phone, replacement fees will be applied to his account.
ESR 