J.O.H.N. Just One Hero Needed
Veterans & First Responders Only Programming
Call today for information: 616.202.3326
ANNOUNCING- J.O.H.N. Just One Hero Needed, addressing addiction, PTSD, mental health, and eating disorders.
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have a history of adapting to the needs of those we treat and the community we serve. At our Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus, we have a full complement of psychiatric and medical providers and staff who offer individualized solutions for long-term recovery from mental health conditions. We identified a need in the Veterans and First Responders communities for an exclusive residential facility that understands the unique culture and challenges faced by these individuals.
J.O.H.N. (Just One Hero Needed) offers programming exclusively for Veterans and First Responders. Our staff on all levels have lived experience or strong personal ties to the military or First Responders communities. JOHN is located at 221 John Street NE in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a restored historic home designed to provide trauma-informed, mission-aligned care in a secure and respectful environment. Our facility is scheduled to begin accepting clients in July 2025 and will accommodate 18 adults (18+). JOHN is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including 24/7 nursing. We treat addiction, PTSD, mental health, and eating disorders.
As a leader and wife of a First Responder, I recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our Veterans and First Responders. By providing exceptional care, healing, and support to those who risk everything to save others, we honor their service, demonstrate our commitment to their well-being, and help them find peace and recovery.
Tracy Rogers, LPC, Chief Executive OfficerOur Programs
Healing and restoration for those who have served...
JOHN is a treatment center for adult (18+) individuals in recovery. The residential programs at JOHN create an atmosphere of camaraderie and trust. Licensed therapists and staff at all levels have lived experience or strong personal ties to the military or first responder community. We tailor our programs to the strengths and preferences of each person who comes through our doors. JOHN offers its residents privacy, comfort, and respect.
Massive stone walls and a river rock foundation exemplify strength and durability. The home itself is a metaphor for the life-changing work taking place within its walls. We designed the JOHN bedrooms to ensure a great night’s sleep. There are typically two or three residents per room, providing an opportunity for residents to bond with their roommates. And because our facilities are intentionally non-institutional, the living spaces feel like home. We crafted every space in the house to promote community and generate a sense of ease. During downtime, residents can read, watch sports, and play ping-pong in the rec room.
Guiding Principles
- A peaceful, home-like atmosphere.
- Our experienced care team understands the culture and challenges faced by Veterans and First Responders.
- We provide care grounded in experience and respect.
- Detox, residential, and PHP (day) programs.
- Weekly eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) or accelerated resolution therapy (ACT) to reduce the impact of trauma.
- Weekly individual and family therapy.
- Restoring connection with loved ones and developing healthy communication patterns.
- Group therapy and peer support; groups comprised of fellow Veterans and First Responders who understand your journey.
- Trauma-informed programming that addresses the unique challenges faced by Veterans and First Responders.
This is more than just a program—it’s my dream coming to life. As a retired deputy sheriff and someone in recovery, I know firsthand the battles our First Responders and Veterans face. Opening this treatment program at Sanford Behavioral Health is my way of giving back to those who have given so much. Forged in service, strengthened in healing.
Matthew VanLiere, Executive Director of Operations, JOHN
Programs and Services
- Psychiatric & Medical Assessments
- Psychiatric & Medical Management: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) & SPRAVATO (esketamine)
- Collaborative Care Teams
- 24/7 On-Site Nursing Staff
- Medical Detox (at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus)
- Residential Programs Day Programs (PHP)
- On-Site Supportive Housing
- Individual Therapist
- Group & Family Therapy
- Eye Movement and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ACT) to reduce the impact of trauma
- Long-Term Planning
- Free Alumni Programs
- Free Family Education/Support Programs
- The length of stay is determined by the individual client’s care needs and the pace of progress toward treatment goals. The average length of stay ranges from 14 to 45 days.
- Eating Disorder Treatment (at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus)
Amenities
- EZ Admissions and Clearances
- Private Chef; meals supporting physical and emotional wellness
- On-site fitness center
- Promoting physical and mental well-being
- Service animals welcome
- On-site support meetings
- A town and country neighborhood for excursions and rigorous walks
- Veterans and former First Responders on staff
- Beautiful surroundings that can reduce stress, enhance mood, improve cognitive function, and increase social connection
Are You Noticing these behaviors?
- Sleeplessness, restlessness, or nightmares
- Increased isolation and a struggle to connect to family or friends
- Problems at home
- An increase in substance use
- Feeling out of touch or that your sense of humor is darker than others
- Loss of identity
- Thrill seeking or a persistent need to feel an "adrenaline rush"
- Lack of interest in the things that used to bring you joy
- ADHD
- Easily triggered, angered, or resentful
Specialized Process Groups
Coping and Resilience
1. Managing stress and anxiety
2. Building resilience in high-stress environments
3. Mindfulness and self-care techniques
Trauma and PTSD
1. Understanding trauma and its impact
2. Coping with traumatic memories
3. Rebuilding trust and relationships
Transition and Reintegration
1. Transitioning from active duty or first responder roles
2. Reintegrating into civilian life
3. Building a new sense of purpose
Relationships and Communication
1. Effective communication in relationships
2. Building and maintaining healthy relationships
3. Conflict resolution and problem-solving
Substance Use and Recovery
1. Understanding addiction and recovery
2. Coping with cravings and triggers
3. Building a support network
Anger and Emotional Regulation
1. Managing anger and aggression
2. Emotional regulation techniques
3. Healthy expression of emotions
Purpose and Meaning
1. Finding purpose and meaning after trauma
2. Building a new identity
3. Setting goals and achieving success
Peer Support and Community
1. Building peer support networks
2. Creating a sense of community
3. Sharing experiences and lessons learned
Forged in Service, Strengthed in Healing
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we create a system of care that guides and tracks our patients through all levels of treatment intensity. We recognize the importance of a long-term continuum of treatment programs, classes, and access to resources, including family and community involvement. Sanford programs function from a philosophy of "real life recovery". Our intention is to provide flexible options and support each individual's professional, family, social, recreational, and spiritual life.
Don't Wait to Change Your Life—Get in Touch Today
Call us at 616.202.3326 or fill out the form below