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History
Seabrook House was founded by Jerry and Peg Diehl in 1974. Jerry
passed away in 1989 but Peg continues their mission today, working
as a full time family therapist. This is their story.
After years of pain, confusion and fear, Jerry Diehl came reluctantly
to Alcoholics Anonymous. He had reached a bottom that only a few
short years before could not have been imagined. The year was 1968,
his wife Peg was making heartbreaking plans to take the four boys
and leave Ocean City, NJ and return to the support of family in
Philadelphia. Conflict reigned supreme. Jerry loved Peg and the
kids, but love alone wouldn't make him stop drinking.
Peg loved an alcoholic. She didn't know the man she married would
become one, though. There were times early on when drinking seemed
normal, even fun. As the years passed, Jerry's drinking increased,
along with a number of missed opportunities. Hopes were replaced
with fear and uncertainty. The crisis all around the Diehl family
peaked with the discovery that a fifth child was to be born. What
for couples without alcoholism would be joyous news was met with
despair.
Peg walked the beach alone, praying for some answer, for some way
to go. An answer came: Peg remembered her cousin George (decades
before) had entered Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and lived a long,
happy, sober life. She went home and discussed the idea with Jerry
and he agreed to try. Although a relapse would follow, Jerry's recovery
began to take hold. Peg learned that there was help for family members
too, and together they began a journey of healing. Their fifth child
was born that first year, never to see his dad take a drink in his
lifetime.
How Seabrook House Came to Be
In those first years of recovery, Jerry and Peg made many friends
who were joined in a common struggle to restore their lives. Amidst
the shared support of their newfound friends was the discovery of
so many for whom sobriety just wouldn't come so easily. Some seemed
to sincerely try, but just could not resist that first drink or
drug long enough to hear the message. Others would get a foothold,
only to relapse repeatedly. Many would drift away, marriages would
break up, children would scatter, and still more would die of the
disease.
The Diehls came to know a few sober friends who shared a different
experience. A fortunate few had gone to rehabilitation centers in
Pennsylvania. Treatment helped these folks get a foothold on sobriety
and return to AA where they built a stronger foundation. Around
their kitchen table, they began to explore ways to bring a treatment
center to southern New Jersey. Jerry knew Senator Harrison Williams,
whose own recovery from alcoholism began that same year. The senator
suggested the group reach out to the National Institute of Alcohol
Abuse and Alcoholism. The NIAAA sought new ideas to advance the
battle against the disease.
Peg identified a missing ingredient. At that time, little was done
to help the alcoholic's family. A proposal was written to NIAAA,
including the unique feature of a treatment plan for family members.
Confident, those faithful early founders searched for a location
and were led to the vacant estate of frozen foods pioneer Charles
F. Seabrook. Nestled within forty landscaped acres stood the Seabrook
mansion, a perfect, peaceful place. Seabrook House received notice
that startup funds would be available. Jerry and Peg, their six
year-old son, and so many recovering friends arrived to spruce up
the old mansion and make it ready for that first call for help.
In June of 1974, Seabrook House opened its doors, embracing a vision
to make recovery possible for every family who needs it.
Seabrook House Today
Built upon the bedrock of helping others, Seabrook House has assisted
thousands in their search for a new beginning. The residential campus
has expanded tremendously to meet the educational, medical and counseling
needs of patients. In 2008, a new Transitional Living Facility was opened in Westfield, Pennsylvania. Great care is taken to preserve the warm, friendly
atmosphere for which Seabrook House has become known.
As an internationally recognized organization, Seabrook House has earned
a reputation for excellence in the treatment of adults, teenagers
and its specialized work with mothers and their children. Now,
more than thirty four years old, Seabrook House remains inspired
by the beliefs and integrity of its founders.
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