Our Core Focus
The Benchmark Transitions family is dedicated to transforming the lives of adults and their families through the development of courage, conscience and character.
Who We Are
At Benchmark Transitions, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone — and that the right environment, the right team, and the right approach can make all the difference. We are more than a treatment center. We are a community built on lived experience, clinical excellence, and a genuine commitment to helping people reclaim their lives.
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It Started With One Participant, One Staff Member, and a Couch...
Benchmark Young Adult School® was founded in Southern California on September 9, 1993 by Jaynie Longnecker-Harper, M.Ed., who has long been considered to be a leader in the industry of special education for adolescents and transitional living programs for young adults. As a single parent of four children, Jaynie understood all too well that many young people, and their frustrated families, faced a lack of resources in their struggle for self-reliance. With her education, experience and first-hand understanding of addiction, Jaynie set out to provide a real-world setting where troubled teens and struggling young adults could learn to emerge into independence.
When Jaynie opened Benchmark on September 9, 1993, she had one participant, one staff member, and one couch. In 2008, the business was re-branded as Benchmark Transitions®, which has grown to include over 40 employees. In 2013, Jaynie’s adult children joined her to form a first and second-generation executive team, sharing her original vision and values.
On February 13, 2023, Jaynie retired from Benchmark, leaving a legacy of Courage, Conscience, and Character.
Meet Our Team
Our compassionate team of clinicians, counselors, and support staff is committed to walking alongside you with expertise and understanding.
Driven By Our Values and Your Success
At Benchmark, our work is guided by principles that shape every part of treatment. These core values reflect our commitment to providing care that is supportive, consistent, and accessible, helping each client build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
Our Ethics
Benchmark Transitions follows the principles outlined in the California Uniform Code of Conduct for Certified and Registered Alcohol and Drug Professionals, as well as the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) [ethics] and the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Providers (NATSAP)
Our Core Values
Benchmark Transitions is pleased to support these Core Values in our daily operations, staff interactions and in our client and family care.
A personal note from Jaynie
Redlands, CA – As the founder of Benchmark Young Adult School, Inc., I am pleased to announce that Empower Recovery Investors, L.P., has acquired Benchmark effective February 13, 2023.
Since September 9, 1993, nearly 30 years, Benchmark has been a leading provider of young adult-specific dual diagnosis treatment, therapeutic transitional living, clinical excellence, education, family support, and independent living life skills. We are proud and thankful to have been a part of such an incredible journey!
As the Empower Recovery team steps in, my husband, Don Harper, and I will officially retire from our roles at Benchmark. I want to thank everyone, professionally and personally, who has supported Benchmark’s work over the years.
To the parents of our young adults, thank you for taking the leap of faith to trust our program for your son or daughter. It took courage to make such a decision, and we honor your trust and thank you for the opportunity to support your family.
To our alums and current clients, thank you for allowing Benchmark to guide you through your recovery journey. It took strength for you to overcome your challenges, and we thank you for trusting our process.
To my dear staff members, past and present, you are simply the best! You have demonstrated your character and worked tirelessly daily, giving of yourself to help others, leading by example, and spreading the work of recovery.
We started the Benchmark family business as a way to honor the passing of Jack W. Longnecker, DDS, the father of my four children. Jack struggled with substance use and mental health disorders throughout his adult life. He completed suicide in 1986, which was the precipitating event that led me to start a treatment program. Our goal was to provide a place where young people could get the help needed and learn to live healthy and productive lives. I want to thank my adult children, Shelley, Dana, Joelle and Darren, for their tireless dedication and commitment to our family business.
Emend Health Corporation is the general partner of Empower Recovery Investors L.P., a fund specializing in acquiring and managing substance use disorders and mental health treatment facilities. Benchmark is poised to shift to the next stage of productivity and guidance, and I am pleased to know that our legacy and brand will continue to provide the highest quality of care possible.
Our Accreditations
At Benchmark, we uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance in all aspects of care. Our accreditations reflect our commitment to providing evidence-based treatment, maintaining ethical practices, and continually improving our programs to ensure the best possible outcomes for every client.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Benchmark Transitions offers Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and soon Residential Treatment and Detox.
The length of stay at Benchmark Transitions varies based on individual needs, goals, and progress in treatment. Most clients participate for several weeks to a few months to build a strong, sustainable foundation for recovery.
Benchmark Transitions accepts most major insurance plans, making quality care accessible and straightforward for patients. They also proudly accept Medicaid, ensuring individuals and families with government-sponsored coverage can get the support they need.
At Benchmark Transitions, you can bring comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, and any prescribed medications in their original bottles. Bringing a journal or meaningful personal items can also help you stay grounded and focused on your recovery.
Yes, at Benchmark Transitions family involvement is encouraged as part of the recovery process. When appropriate, loved ones can participate in therapy and support planning to help strengthen connection and long-term healing.
Client Testimonials
The voices of those who have walked this path speak louder than anything we could say.