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
Resident Communication & Family Contact
To support a successful transition into recovery, residents are required to complete an initial adjustment period during which no contact with family or friends is permitted, except in the event of a genuine family emergency.
First 4 Weeks:
• No visits, phone calls, or personal communication are permitted.
• Exceptions will only be considered in cases of verified family emergencies.
This period is designed to protect residents during one of the most vulnerable stages of their recovery journey, allowing them to focus fully on their programme, personal growth, and adjustment to the structured environment.
Family Visiting Hours
Residents become eligible for family visits after successfully completing the initial six-week period of the programme.
Visiting Hours
• Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
• Sunday: 12:00 – 16:30
All visits must comply with Centre rules and may be suspended or restricted if deemed necessary by management.
Mobile Phone & Communication Policy
To encourage engagement in the recovery process and minimise distractions, mobile phone usage is carefully structured throughout the programme.
Phone Usage Schedule
Weeks 1–4
• No mobile phone usage or phone calls permitted.
Weeks 5–6
• Phone calls permitted on:
- Tuesday
- Thursday
• Usage is limited to allocated times within a two-hour communication period.
From Week 7 Onwards
• Phone calls permitted on:
- Tuesday
- Thursday
- Saturday
• Usage is limited to designated communication periods as determined by the Centre.
Residents who do not have their own mobile phone may make calls using one of the Centre's designated communication phones during approved call times.
Approved Devices
Permitted
• Mobile phones (during allocated communication periods only)
• E-readers (during approved usage times)
Not Permitted
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Smartwatches with internet capability
• Handheld gaming devices
• Any device with internet connectivity not specifically approved by management
Cornerstone Wellness Centre reserves the right to amend communication and device policies at any time to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and recovery progress of all residents.