I got a letter from Tom who has spent over 7 years at VCBR. Every time he reached phase 3, he would be demoted back to phase 2 claiming “thinking errors” which meant he didn’t agree with some of the misrepresentations that the “therapists” said. As long as you agree with everything they say about us, they are fine, but if you disagree, you are written up and demoted. Their salary and the viability of the institution depends on keeping as many residents as possible. Tom
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Some days I feel like I am walking on eggshells, 3 feet thick! We are definitely “under the microscope” 24/7. Often I view the treatment process as being a brain-washing pattern where they want to lay you down, cut you open, scrape everything that’s inside out. They want to put back in what they want to be there. I fight mentally to retain “me”, my identity, my personality. Worst of all (for me), is that many parts of treatment go against my walk with God , opposite to the Scriptures and contrary to the way I was raised, that is…
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We are two Christian young men at VCBR. One day we asked the religious volunteer if he could add communion to our worship/fellowship services. The volunteer checked with the administration, saying that he could bring everything in himself with no cost to the facility. The administration gave the two of us greater restrictions because we are not supposed to ask a volunteer for anything. One of us was given 30 days and one 60 days restriction of not attending Bible study or church services. When we complained, we were told that we could worship by ourselves. (The Catholic service does…
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I wanted to join with several other men to make a special meal using what we had from commissary. We had done this before. One particular day, an “investigator” came along and said that this process was against the rules. The investigator wrote us up. I was put back 9 months in my treatment program. That is certainly punishment. They call it treatment because the men are not allowed to share, give, barter, or trade anything, even to help another, just like in prisons. Greg and Bob
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Cameras roll all over the facility. As I was talking to a friend on the phone, I could see 6 cameras from where I stood. Employees walk around writing down any little thing they can find which can be categorized as against the rules and write the infractions in our files. Greg
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I wrote a very successful play. We held two performances. Everyone loved it. Soon after, I wrote another one and gathered together about 40 men to participate. Some of these men were those who needed serious treatment. They were so excited to be in the play. The administration found that our prop man had made cardboard guns to use in the play and shut down the whole endeavor, disappointing many residents. Reg
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I have been at VCBR for 4-5 years. At this point I am still in Phase 1. I have learning disabilities in writing and reading and haven’t been able to do all the work for the classes. I got a tutor myself recently. Another reason I am not progressing is because I shared food with another resident and was put back in my treatment. This usually is for many months. Anonymous
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Three weeks ago, I had a doctor appointment and was prescribed a medication. I haven’t received it yet. Bert
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My mother died while I have been in VCBR. I was quite upset and had a few class absences. As a result, I was kept in Phase 1, not put in Phase 2. Bill
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