History
In the late 1980’s Dr. E Daniel Martin, who was then a psychiatrist on the faculty of Pennsylvania State University’s College of Medicine at Hershey began to make public his desire and call to establish a professionally staffed, faith-based drug and alcohol treatment program. A business man in the community of Elizabethtown heard about Dr. Martin’s desire through his pastors, Norman and Jean Shenk. This businessman, Roy Souder, offered to donate a farm house and 25 acres of land between Elizabethtown and Middletown for this purpose. Dr. Martin invited a group of local business and professional persons to join him in forming a board to receive this generous gift and to develop this new program. The board, although initially associated with the Mennonite Church, had members from a variety of Christian denominations as members.
The new board was established as a 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization. The board chose the name “Naaman Center” after the biblical character, Naaman, who was healed of his leprosy after following God’s “steps to healing” by dipping in the river seven times. The board renovated the house to make offices conducive to the treatment of chemically dependent clients.
In September of 1990 Naaman Center was opened as an intensive outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program. Dr. Martin became the medical director of this program. Throughout the years Naaman Center has become integrated into the community through its close relationship with churches and other non-profit organizations. Fundraising has always been a priority because the Center was committed to treating people in the community regardless of their ability to pay.
Mission Statement
To facilitate the restoration of people caught in the grip of drug and alcohol addictions and related mental health issues by providing a team of professional counselors who assist persons to pursue healing in an atmosphere of Christian faith and loving compassion.
Vision Statement
To impact our region by providing Christ-centered professional out-patient treatment for people struggling with addictive behavior and mental health issues.
Serving Together
Naaman Centers exists to bring healing to the hurting addict through its services (link to services tab) and resources. With the generous help of our donors and prayer partners, we will continue to meet the needs of these people and empower them to become valuable members of society. Together we can see individuals and families changed forever. Naaman Center is a Non-Profit 501c3 Organization governed by a board of directors and funded through the State and community contributors. To find out more about how to donate, please visit our contributions page (Link to donations page).