FAQ

Q. How do I get admitted to Wagner Hills?

A. The first step is always to call our office and talk with an intake worker. Intake will ask you a number of questions as well as share with you briefly what you can expect should you choose to begin participating in the visitor program. There are no referrals needed and no waiting lists. An intake must be initiated by the individual interested in attending the program; family, friends, probation officers, or social workers may call on someone’s behalf but we can not proceed until the potential resident calls us themselves.

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Q. Do you accept people that are currently taking (prescribed) methadone?

A. No. Wagner Hills is an abstinence program. Although many men do come in on doctor prescribed medications, methadone is not an option. Wagner Hills will not administer methadone to any clients. We encourage you to be fully detoxed from methadone before coming.

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Q. Can I bring (use) nicotine patches or Nicorette gum while I am there?

A. No. Wagner Hills is an abstinence program. There is zero tolerance towards nicotine in any form. The environment of Wagner Hills is very conducive to quitting smoking, you will not see it, smell it, or have anywhere to buy it. Besides the natural environment, the Lord is also at work in the lives of the men that come. Provided they are willing to quit, the Lord is always meeting them ‘where they are at’. We are constantly hearing testimonies of men who have quit smoking without so much as a craving.

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Q. What if I am on doctor prescribed medication?

A. You should first talk to an intake worker about the medication you are on. The intake worker will explain to you how we will handle your personal situation. In general if you are on medication you will need to bring it in the original doctor prescribed bottles. It is advised that you bring at least two-three weeks of medication with you. If possible see if
a doctor is able to prescribe your medication with refills, and to fill it in a bubble-pack.

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Q. What about phone calls?

A. When you first come there is no communication with anyone on the outside in any form. This includes phone calls, letters, visits, and relayed messages. The duration of this ‘phase’ is individual, but will last throughout the client’s stay in our visitor (Wagner Hills Intake Program) program, and likely for the first portion of their stay in the core program.

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Q. What if there is an emergency or my family wants know how I am doing?

A. Family is welcome to and encouraged to connect with our office. They can find out how you are doing by talking with our intake department. We will not relay messages back and forth. If there is a family emergency you will be notified immediately.

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Q. What if I am on probation?

A. If you are on probation you must tell our intake workers on the phone before you come. Tell them what your reporting expectations are, as well as the name, location and phone number of your probation officer. The intake workers will direct you to fax in your conditions, and may want to talk with your probation officer before you come.

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Q. How long is the visitor (Wagner Hills Intake Program) program?

A. The Wagner Hills Intake Program is open-ended although at some point we will encourage you to make a decision as to whether you are going to make a commitment to our core program. During this time you are here to see who we are and what we offer, you will quickly learn what you can expect during your stay and also what we expect from you. During this time you are to  seek the Lord to decide whether or not you are to make a commitment to the core program.

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Q. What if I have court coming up?

A. If you have court coming up you must tell our intake workers on the phone. They will need to collect further information before proceeding with your intake. Tell them what you are charged with, when your court dates are and where you are to be in court.

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Q. Can you send a letter of acceptance to my lawyer or welfare?

A. No. Wagner Hills does not accept anyone as a resident until they physically show up and begin to participate in the program. Under no circumstances will we send letters of acceptance to anyone for any reason.

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Q. Do I need a referral from a doctor or community organization to come?

A. No. Potential residents can self-refer. We do not need, or ask for referrals.

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Q. Can Wagner Hills help me get to the farm? I need transportation!

A. If you are in need of transportation to Wagner Hills you will need to make arrangements on your own. Wagner Hills will not help finance bus fare or any other means of transportation to our facility. Generally our intake workers will make arrangements to pick you up from a pre-determined location near the farm if you can not get dropped off directly at our property.

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Q. How much does the program cost?

A. Generally speaking financing goes in one of three possible directions:

1. We will first apply a visitor to our program for assistance with the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance (MEIA aka. Welfare). MEIA will generally finance your stay. The majority of residents at Wagner Hills qualify for assistance with MEIA.
2. In some cases potential residents have been gainfully employed and will qualify for Medical Employment Insurance benefits. Our intake workers will look into this possibility and help submit the application for these benefits. We would expect that the income from these benefits go towards financing your stay.
3. In other circumstances potential residents have assets and access to their own finances. In these situations we would normally expect the resident to pay for their own stay. Actual costs will vary and these figures would be worked out with staff after a resident has been involved in the program for a little while.

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Q. Can I bring my vehicle?

A. Generally the answer to this question is no. We ask that potential residents find storage for their vehicles elsewhere.