Old Homeplace

Pros

• The Oaks Recovery is described as life-changing and lifesaving for those who attend.
• Willow House is viewed as a second family and a home-like place where people find their Higher Power and themselves.
• The staff at The Oaks Recovery is repeatedly praised as phenomenal, amazing, and deeply supportive.
• The Oaks builds a strong sense of community and fellowship, with alumni helping newcomers.
• The program is credited with saving lives and restoring marriages for those who participate.
• Rob Granelli, the operations director, is highlighted for his proactive, caring outreach to families.
• The Oaks is presented as a solution-based treatment center that helps people learn how to handle life.
• The Oaks is described by some as a lifesaver in Greenwood and as doing God's work through recovery.
• The Willow House is highly recommended as a place to heal, with staff and peers supporting meaningful progress.
• Recovery rules and privileges are viewed as reasonable and conducive to accountability and success.

Cons

• The reviewer claimed there was no real help with job placement and that rent was too high, with no case managers.
• A commenter described the transition phase as costing almost $250 a week and nearly $6,000 in rent for six people, creating a heavy financial burden.
• Several critics described The Oaks as a money-hungry program focused on finances rather than recovery.
• Another reviewer alleged favoritism and cliquish behavior among staff, with decisions about who could stay or go.
• It was stated that staff had hurt and damaged many individuals who were trying to recover.
• Some reviewers argued there was little to no job placement support, adding ongoing financial stress for clients.

Review

The Oaks Recovery experience is repeatedly portrayed as a turning point for people who were struggling with addiction and its fallout. Many reviewers describe arriving at The Oaks after a period of heavy drinking or chaotic living and finding a place where they were finally met with understanding rather than judgment. The core promise that surfaces across many accounts is that life begins anew once the right combination of support, accountability, and a structured program comes together. In several stories, the moment of transformation is tied to receiving guidance from staff, connecting with peers who share similar struggles, and being introduced to a program that emphasizes purpose, recovery, and a higher power. The process is often framed as a journey that moves from crisis toward the possibility of rebuilding one's life, including repairing relationships and learning practical ways to handle life's challenges.

A recurring theme is the sense of community and belonging that attendees find at The Oaks. People speak of friendships formed in recovery that feel more genuine and lasting than the "drinking buddies" of the past. Many write about meaningful relationships that emerge through working the program, attending meetings, and participating in the Willow House community for women. The descriptions emphasize a shift from isolation to connection - alumni and staff alike are described as supportive figures who help individuals reorient their lives around responsibilities, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. The narrative commonly notes that discovering a Higher Power or spiritual dimension is an integral part of personal healing for many participants.

The Oaks is repeatedly praised for its staff and the positive impact they have on residents. Multiple notes name specific staff members and describe them as phenomenal, caring, and devoted to helping people recover. The testimonials highlight how staff and alumni create a family-like atmosphere and model the kinds of behaviors and routines that help someone sustain sobriety. Several testimonials celebrate the sense that the program is more than just a set of rules; it is a place where people feel seen, understood, and supported as they work through the emotional and spiritual work of recovery. In particular, stories about husbands or spouses finding victory through the Oaks' program are common, with several accounts recounting marriages restored or strengthened as a result of commitment to the recovery process.

Beyond personal transformation, many reviewers emphasize practical and logistical aspects that contributed to their sense of hope. Some describe how the program's structure - 12-step work, accountability, and privileges earned through progress - helped them regain control over their lives. There are vivid anecdotes about the routines of recovery: church, work, meetings, and recreational activities like volleyball and cornhole that provide balance and positive outlets. For some, the Oaks and Willow House are framed not only as treatment facilities but as a community home where people feel supported in their pursuit of a healthier life. The testimonials collectively paint a picture of a place that offers more than detox or therapy; it offers a framework for rebuilding a life with intention.

However, not every account is without critique. A number of reviewers raise serious concerns about the financial and logistical aspects of staying and transitioning through the Oaks' programs. Points raised include costs associated with intake and ongoing "rent" during transition, as well as perceived gaps in job placement support and case management. A detailed critique describes a situation where a cousin, while in transition, faced substantial weekly charges, suggesting a monthly rent burden that some felt was disproportionate to the support being provided. The critique also touches on issues of favoritism and peer dynamics among those in leadership roles, with claims that some staff members who are alumni or in supervisory positions may privilege certain residents over others. Collectively, these voices call for greater transparency, fair treatment, and more robust assistance with financial planning and job placement as part of the recovery process. They also indicate a worry that financial stress could undermine recovery if not addressed.

In addition to the core Oaks experience, several testimonies highlight the Willow House as a particularly meaningful component for women. The Willow House is described as a place where women can heal within a supportive environment, with references to spiritual growth and a sense of being nurtured by a community that understands female-specific recovery journeys. The language used by these reviewers - describing the Willow House as a trusted path to healing and a place where attendees feel spiritually and emotionally supported - echoes the broader sentiment of the Oaks family as a whole: recovery is possible, relationships can be rebuilt, and life can take on a new, more meaningful direction when people commit to the program and to each other.

A striking theme across multiple reviews is the sense that the Oaks Recovery experience is not just about abstinence, but about restoring purpose and structure to life. Testimonies speak to the restoration of faith, the revival of families, the return of personal hope, and the reintroduction to daily routines that support ongoing sobriety. The stories range from triumphant, high-emotion declarations - "The Oaks Recovery saved my life and my marriage" - to practical accounts of how clients re-engage with work, church, and community activities after completion. The overarching narrative is that, for many participants, the Oaks program offers a pathway to a more grounded, meaningful existence and the opportunity to become part of a supportive network of peers and mentors who remain invested in their long-term success.

Interwoven with the praise are anecdotes that illustrate the breadth of experiences people bring to The Oaks: from UK travelers noting a recovery journey that includes transport and relocation to Midlands, to the specific mention of staff members who have left a lasting impression on families, to comments about how the program's philosophy and community can influence personal spirituality and identity. In one testimonial, a reviewer talks about the transformative effect of reconnecting with a church, steady employment, and social activities, underscoring how recovery can touch every aspect of life. In another, a parent expresses renewed peace of mind as their son begins to live a life of purpose, faith, and accountability after finding stability through The Oaks and its network.

Taken together, the collection of experiences suggests that The Oaks Recovery and its Willow House component are, for many, a lifeline that provides more than treatment: it provides a community, a structured path to sobriety, and a renewed sense of purpose. The program's strengths - compassionate staff, a supportive alumni environment, clear routines, and opportunities to rebuild relationships - are repeatedly highlighted. At the same time, the concerns raised about costs, transition practices, and the consistency of case management indicate a need for ongoing attention to financial transparency, fair treatment, and robust post-treatment support. For those seeking help or hoping to help someone else, the Oaks presents itself as a place where recovery is possible, provided individuals are prepared to engage with the program, seek support, and navigate the financial and logistical realities that accompany such a journey.

This particular area of Greenwood, South Carolina offers a mix of dining options ranging from casual eateries like McDonald's and Waffle House, to more upscale choices like Uchi E and Montague's Restaurant. There are also several healthcare providers nearby including Greenwood Internal Medicine and Piedmont Cardiology Associates for your medical needs. Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS are conveniently located for easy access to prescriptions. The presence of Self Regional Healthcare Greenwood ensures quality medical care in close proximity. For spiritual fulfillment, there are various places of worship within a few miles. Additionally, the area boasts cafes like Howard's On Main and recreational facilities such as parks and grooming services for pets. Overall, this area provides a range of amenities that cater to the diverse needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Restaurants

• Garden Grille (2.4 miles)
• Uchi E (3.6 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)
• Montague's Restaurant (4.7 miles)
• Waffle House (5.1 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (5.2 miles)
• Cheeseburger House (5.4 miles)

Physicians

• Greenwood Internal Medicine (3.3 miles)
• Galloway Regional Eye Center (3.4 miles)
• Family physicians of greenwood (3.4 miles)
• Family Physicians of Greenwood PA (3.4 miles)
• Piedmont Cardiology Associates PA (3.5 miles)
• Piedmont Health Group Pediatrics (3.5 miles)
• Village Family Practice (3.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Medicine Dropper (3.5 miles)
• Carolina Community Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• Wingard's Pharmacy (4.6 miles)
• Walgreens (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Self Regional Healthcare Greenwood (3.6 miles)
• Abbeville County Memorial Hospital (15.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Reaching Our Community-Christ (4.2 miles)
• First Damascus Baptist Church (4.3 miles)
• Epworth Camp Meeting (5.2 miles)
• Cambridge United Methodist Church (5.9 miles)
• New Generation Outreach (6 miles)
• Old Field Bethel AME Church (7.3 miles)
• Set Free Evangelistic Association And Ministries (8.2 miles)

Cafes

• Howard's On Main (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)

Parks

• Doggywood Mobile Grooming And Boarding (5.2 miles)
• Greenwood County Parks & Rec (5.9 miles)
• Greenwood State Recreational Park (9.5 miles)
• Lake Greenwood State Park (10 miles)