Life As A Student | John Volken Academy

What does a day look like for a student at JVA?

The John Volken Academy has been carefully designed to provide our students with a safe and supportive environment to change their lives. As a student, your day is structured with opportunities to receive career training, educational advancement, and leadership development.

A typical day at the academy begins around 6 a.m. Students will get ready for their day in our state-of-the-art dormitories

A nutritious breakfast is prepared and served by students assigned to our cafeterias.

Following breakfast there is morning group and chores.

Students will then disperse to their assigned duties throughout one of our various businesses and functions within the program designed to support the community, allow them to gain work experience and continue their education and life skills training.

Lunch and dinner are served at assigned times and students conclude their days with a variety of structured activities such as group-based meetings and seminars, educational workshops, sports and fitness, leisure time, and planned outings to experience entertainment, nature, and more.

Adopting a New Lifestyle

Getting sober is one thing, changing the way you live is another.
The John Volken Academy provides the time and support needed to relearn how to live, recalibrating our student’s behaviors, attitudes, and values. Students and staff work together to guide you toward adopting a new, fulfilling lifestyle that supports long-term recovery and personal growth:

Structured Routine: Develop healthy daily habits that provide stability and purpose.
Mindful Living: Learn to practice mindfulness and stress management techniques for emotional balance.
Physical Wellness: Engage in regular exercise and nutrition programs to improve overall health.
Interpersonal Skills: Build meaningful relationships and improve communication through group activities.
Creative Expression: Discover new hobbies and creative outlets as healthy coping mechanisms.
Personal Responsibility: Take charge of your actions and decisions in a supportive environment.
Community Engagement: Participate in community service to foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
Continuous Learning: Embrace ongoing education and skill development for personal growth.

Your new lifestyle begins here. Through immersion in our therapeutic community, you’ll develop the tools, habits, and mindset needed for a full lifestyle transformation.

FAQS

What kind of transition services/relapse prevention does the JVA provide?

The John Volken Academy is designed to prepare our students with the necessary tools needed to not only change their lives but maintain their sobriety. As our students prepare for graduation they go through our Re-Entry Program which focuses on transitional planning and relapse prevention. We connect our students with mentors and they begin learning transitional skills for their future lives, some examples include: Financial Literacy, Resume Building, and Applying/Interviewing for Employment.

For students who have successfully completed our program, we offer transitional housing. Our transition homes are affordable, drug and crime-free environments located close to the JVA campuses allowing our students to safely transition out of our program while still having access to our facilities, our community, and our staff.

We also provide employment opportunities for students at our Life-Skills Training Centers and with other local businesses that we have developed relationships with.

Do you offer specialized plans for each student in the program?

Each student is on a growth track of their own. As students gain experience and excel in their roles, they will be given more freedoms and more opportunities for leadership, learning and gaining more trade skills. Our goal is to provide students with the tools necessary to overcome addiction and re-join society as a productive member, making a positive impact on the world. If it takes longer than the minimum two years, we are here and willing to help each student as long as they desire at no extra cost.

Can my family visit me while I am in the program?

Yes, at a certain point, as you progress through the program, short visits are allowed. We have a system for all visits as well as phone calls for our students. All of this will be explained by the Program Director. Our main goal is to keep our students safe and healthy during visits.

What can I bring with me to JVA?

The list of acceptable things to bring to the John Volken Academy is listed in the Admissions Application. Please do not bring anything not on the list that you do not have prior permission, or it may be confiscated. If you have any questions about this policy, ask the Program Director.

Should I get treatment locally or away from home?

It is up to the individual attending the program if they would like to complete treatment in their own state or province. Through our experience, it can be helpful for an addict to take their journey towards sobriety away from the environment where they previously used drugs or alcohol. This way, they can be free of outside distractions and negative influences and not be as tempted to discharge themselves early from the program. This is why we have three different locations to help students build lifelong friends, communities, and experience away from their familiar surroundings. If you are unsure of what is best for you, consider asking yourself, “Will I act on impulse and leave my treatment early if a challenge arises with my home and the past negative environment is so close by?” Or, “Should I choose greater distance away from home to ensure I am not tempted to leave early?”

What are the facilities like?

Each of our locations is unique to themselves; however, each provides the following:

Modern living quarters with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and access to necessary hygiene and toiletry items
Healthy meals prepared and served in excellent cafeterias
Furnished workout rooms and sports courts
Access to advanced computers and technology
Designed and developed space to spend time in and enjoy nature
Libraries and reading rooms
Music rooms with instruments provided
And more…

Does your program have a nutritional component?

We believe good nutrition to be key in a full recovery from drugs and alcohol. We provide three nutritious meals a day, as well as snacks.

Will I have a roommate?

We have beautiful, comfortable, and accommodating living quarters at all three John Volken Academy locations. We do not have private rooms; however, we do provide modern living space with comfortable beds, laundry, private bathrooms, and access to necessary hygiene and toiletry items.

Do you offer family support?

Yes! We recognize the need for family healing and addiction education to help ensure a healthy reintegration back into the family system. We offer family support groups so you can connect with people who understand the personal journey you are on. Our Program Directors are also here to support you while your loved one is in our program.