Welcome to Hudson House!
Bishop Dr. James H. Hudson, Ph.D, in front of the new Hudson House PRTF Unit
All of us here at Harborcreek Youth Services are excited about the completion of our newest state-of-the-art psychiatric residential treatment unit, Hudson House!
Hudson House is another positive step toward supporting our Trauma-focused Treatment Model through our physical environment. A smaller unit reduces the energy output of the group, lessening stressors and distractions. Private bedrooms and single-user bathrooms create privacy and feelings of safety and security which are critical to trauma work.
What Makes Hudson House Effective?
Hudson House is a smaller, 12-bed unit designed to reduce stimulation and stressors.
It features spacious, bright, private bedrooms to promote feelings of personal safety.
Single-user bathrooms and showers provide safety, privacy, and dignity.
The unit features an on-site Nurse’s Station for medication administration, first aid, and more.
It also includes a classroom to reduce the need for stressful transitions and increase the effectiveness of the learning environment.
Therapists are in-unit and can conduct therapy in their offices or in a large family therapy room, allowing them maximum accessibility to the boys and staff.
Family visitation will occur in the unit in the family visitation/therapy room.
The Man Behind the Name
Bishop Dr. James H. Hudson, Ph.D. serves as pastor of Hope and Faith Chapel Church of God Pentecostal in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is recognized as the Northeaster Diocese Prelate for the Churches of God Pentecostal, Incorporated. Additionally, he is the National Director for Credentials and Licensing and a National Council member.
A beloved and respected figure in the HYS Community, we all know him as Reverend James, or just “Rev.” He began with us at HYS in November 1999 as a substitute staff member. After attaining full-time status he worked for both the Edinboro Road ITU and the 25th Street ITU, he took over therapist responsibilities after transitioning back to the main campus’ Liberty Unit.
Rev has served our clients and staff as a shining example of excellence in terms of his level of care, patience, and support for others. His ability to establish trusting and therapeutic relationships with our residents is an exceptional skill. Rev was also part of the original group of trainees who traveled to train in the Sanctuary Model. As a member of the original Sanctuary Steering Committee, he was instrumental in transitioning the agency from a juvenile-justice-focused model to a trauma-informed Behavioral Health facility.
Over the course of his employment and in all of the units he served on, Reverend James has improved the lives of hundreds of clients and families - many of whom continue to call back to speak with him, update him on what’s new, and to thank him for being there during the most challenging time in their lives.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bishop Hudson has served in numerous ministerial capacities. He has served for years as a bi-vocational minister both at the pulpit and as a residential direct care therapeutic counselor/therapist for at-risk youth at Harborcreek Youth Services.
Additionally, Bishop Hudson is a distinguished retired military serviceman (United States Coast Guard), having performed twenty-plus honorable and faithful years of service, and is an accomplished practitioner of martial arts and related instruction.
Academically, Bishop Hudson received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northwood University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Pennsylvania State University, and both Master of Church Administration and Doctorate of Philosophy in Religious Education degrees from the Ministerial Training Institute Bible College. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.
The Bishop functions as the academic dean and a professor of religious education for the Ministerial Training Institute of Erie and is an itinerant scholar. He is a former academic counselor for Mercyhurst University and an adjunct professor for the Ministerial Training Institute Bible College in Los Angeles. His ongoing commitment to education has placed him in membership with the Society for Pentecostal Studies and the American Association of Christian Counselors. His writings addressing a wide range of Christian concerns have been published in newspapers, periodicals, and magazines nationwide.
Bishop Hudson has received many honors and awards throughout his career, including Ministerial Awards, Citizen of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, and Dean of the Year. A sought-after speaker and educator, Bishop Hudson has been the radio commentator for the “Reaching the Heart” Radio Ministries program and is committed to serving God’s purpose by utilizing the gifts, talents, and abilities vested into his care.
He is the loving husband of First Lady Giselle T. Hudson, devoted father of Melissa, Simon, and Amethyst, and doting grandfather to Ava, Kevin III, and Lil’ James.
Special thanks to First Lady Hudson and Chuck Cochran for their contributions.