What is the Colony of Mercy?
The Colony of Mercy program is a two-phase program consisting of a residential phase, which is a minimum of 120-days (with an optional extension consisting of a minimum 3 month Discipleship Program) and an 8-month, non-residential aftercare phase in which the man partners with his local church for counseling, mentoring, and encouragement. Together they complete a one-year program.
to learn more about the history of the Colony of Mercy Program
the goal is spiritual transformation which results in freedom from the bondage of addiction.
Biblical in its foundation, the goal is spiritual transformation which results in freedom from the bondage of addiction. Spiritual transformation is accomplished by addressing the deeper heart issues with biblical truth leading to full surrender. No secular program or exercise of self-control will long sustain an individual in an addiction-free condition. One can only be liberated through the all-sufficient blood of Jesus Christ and acceptance of the new life which only He offers. The biblical principle which this transformation demonstrates can be found in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Why Are We Unique?
The Keswick Colony of Mercy is a true faith work. From its founding, the Colony has been supported through the generosity of God’s people whom He has led to pray and give. God knows the needs and moves, as only He can, in the hearts of caring people to meet them.
A unique aspect of the Colony of Mercy is the ministry available to the family of the residents through our ENRICH ministry.
Nestled in the beauty of God’s creation, the pinelands of central New Jersey, America’s Keswick is a land set apart for a holy purpose. Two scenic lakes, beautiful wooded grounds, comfortable accommodations as well as four-season recreational and fitness facilities all assist in providing an atmosphere conducive to provide hope and healing… a place where, since 1897, men from all walks of life have found common ground here on the Keswick soil and at the foot of the cross.
Click Here to read powerful stories of hope!
Program Basics
- There are no medical or psychiatric methods incorporated into the Colony program. Spiritual help is provided through one-on-one counseling, trauma counseling, group sessions, Bible study, sharing times, and regularly scheduled worship services. A staff member is available at all times for assistance, prayer, and counsel.
- A non-refundable Program Fee of $500 is required and can be paid by check, cash, or money order. For credit card payments, a processing charge of $25 is added; making the total $525.
- Upon arrival, each man is assigned a Chaplain/Counselor for the duration of his stay to assist him in dealing with the deeper issues perpetuating his addiction.
- He is also assigned to one of four work departments where he will work 6-8 hours a day. The work therapy component is invaluable in helping a man apply the principles he is learning in real-life situations.
- The Colony accommodates two to three residents per room and all meals are provided.
Click Here to begin our Application Process.
While we can certainly go over our program plan with a friend or loved one, the applicant will be the one who will need to complete the online application.
Call the Colony of Mercy directly at 848-227-4591 . Our admissions office may be reached (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) If you cannot get a chaplain immediately, you may leave a message on his voice mail or you can contact Guest Services during normal business hours at 800.453.7942. For emergencies after hours, please call 732.674.6703.
Usually, this is done through the man’s chaplain. We will encourage the man to write home while on orientation (his first 30 days at a minimum). However, if there is a family emergency, you can call the main number to speak with any chaplain on duty. The men cannot receive calls on the payphones at the Colony. You can also write. Please address to America’s Keswick 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759-3599 attn.: (resident’s name) The colony of Mercy on the envelope as mail gets sorted from a central location and is distributed to the various areas on campus.
During the man’s Orientation (first 30 days) we ask that you refrain from attending our chapel services as it may serve as a distraction to the man. He is just learning how to get his life together and in a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. Any distraction at this crucial stage could prevent that from happening and even jeopardize his stay as he may be tempted to leave with family afterward. After the Orientation stage is over, he will contact you about setting up visits and chapel services. He will need to sign-up anyone who will be visiting him for either Saturday or Sunday visits. On visit weekends (every OTHER week) visiting hours are from 1:00 – 5:00 PM. You are free to join us for the evening chapel service on Sunday.
Our Women’s Addiction Recovery Ministry, Barbara’s Place, opened it’s doors February 2014. Barbara’s Place offers 8 beds and the program lasts anywhere from 6-12 months. Be sure to call us at 800.453.7942 for more information. We also work with the wives, fiancees, and girlfriends of men in the program through the Women of Character Program. Click Here to learn more.
Because we place a high level of personal responsibility on the individual, the person desiring help must be the one who actually makes the phone calls. The help we offer begins as he takes responsibility for his life and calls on a weekly basis while waiting for an opening. This indicates to us that he is actively interested in getting help for his life.