Program overview

Cornerstone Wellness Centre offers an 6‑month live-in rehabilitation program for men seeking freedom from substance abuse and addiction. Our mission is to provide a safe, structured, and family-like environment where healing, restoration, and growth can take place.

Founded by Craigh and Lizelle Van Tonder, the program is rooted in love, discipleship, and genuine care for each person who walks through our doors. At Cornerstone, we believe that true transformation begins by building on a new foundation. We hold to the truth that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of life; however, we welcome and walk alongside every man with compassion, without judgment, and without pressure to conform.

Daily devotions, worship, and group conversations create opportunities for residents to encounter spiritual renewal and explore faith in their own time. Men are invited—but never forced—into a relationship with Jesus Christ, to discover the freedom and rest He offers (Matthew 11:28-30). Alongside this, our program offers practical life coaching, covering essential areas such as responsible living, work ethic, family relationships, personal care, and learning to love and serve others.

Pastoral care and discipleship are available to those who wish to pursue them, but our commitment is simply to serve each resident with sincere love and respect.

A balanced daily routine is central to our process. Residents engage in meaningful work, whether in our workshop, maintaining the facilities, or assisting with meals, helping develop discipline, accountability, and teamwork. Shared responsibilities build a sense of brotherhood, while weekends offer rest and space to recharge.

Cornerstone is more than a rehabilitation program, it is a Christ-centered community of support and belonging where we learn about who we really are in Christ. Here, men are given the time and space to rebuild their lives, discovering hope, wholeness, and a new identity grounded in love.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30)

This covers medical treatment for the duration of the resident’s stay. Each new resident will be taken to our General Practitioner for a medical assessment within the first 72 hours of admission. The GP will prescribe any medication required to assist with the detoxification process and address any additional medical needs as deemed necessary.

Medical Administration

Guest Visits, Phones & Devices

Within the First two weeks residents will have no contact unless there is a direct family emergency. This is for the protection and safety of our residents at a very vulnerable stage of their program.

Below are the guest visiting hours after six weeks:

•⁠ ⁠Saturdays: 10:00 – 16:00
•⁠ ⁠Sundays: 12:00 – 16:30

Rules around Mobile phones

Within the first two weeks no mobile phones, following week three to week six mobile phones are permitted on certain days and within a two hour allocation. From week six residents are permitted to use their mobile phones daily during allocated hours. Below is a breakdown of mobile phone usage allowance.

  • First 2 weeks: No usage

  • Weeks 3–4: Tues & Thurs (2 hrs at dedicated times)

  • Weeks 5–6: Tues, Thurs & Sat (2 hrs at dedicated times)

  • After Week 6: Daily (allocated hours)

Devices allowed

  • Cell phones: Allowed (allocated times)

  • E-Readers allowed (allocated times)

  • ⁠Laptops/ or any Internet connectivity devices: ❌ Not allowed