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First Things First Staff Training Resource & Reproducible Handouts by Rev. Michael Liimatta, Director of Education, AGRM Select the
In 1993 the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (formerly the International Union of Gospel Missions) first published my Guide to Effective Rescue Mission Recovery Programs. Since then, hundreds of ministries and individual counselor have puechased of copies of the 12-tape set and manual, intended as an introductory training resource for staff members. In the past few years, I have had the privilege of visiting AGRM member rescue missions to dialog with staff members who implemented the principles espoused in the Guide. These programs overwhelmingly testify that they are experiencing greater success with addicts who have participated in their programs. Follow-up efforts have shown that more of their program graduates are now experiencing long-term sobriety. One significant development since publishing the original resource is that the Alcoholics Victorious 12-step support group network formally became a program of the Education Department of the AGRM. Founded in 1948, AV is the oldest Christian addiction support group currently operating. There are nearly 150 affiliated groups meeting in churches, missions, and other institutions. AV has become an exceptional resource for recovery programs since it really serves as a "bridge" between the rescue mission and the community. This is especially true for those groups that are meeting in local churches - some with the sponsorship of the local rescue mission. Like the previous resource these tapes and handouts are intended to be used for in-service training. They can be used to evaluate a program in the process.. At the Education Department of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, we will continue to develop resources to equip chaplains, counselors, and program directors. I am still convinced that there is no more important element of an effective program than the members of the staff. Your input regarding the materials and principles contained in this guide is requested. Please contact us if we can answer any questions about this material or provide additional assistance to you. Rev. Michael Liimatta The tapes consist of four training sessions conducted at the 1999 AGRM Midwest Regional Conference. The tapes are arranged is a progressive manner. Therefore, they should be heard in the prescribed sequence, since the topics build upon one another. Also included are printouts of the PowerPoint slides handouts used with the specific sessions. When using the tapes in a group setting, permission is granted to photocopy these handouts for each of the participants.
This session asks the basic question "why are people homeless?" and looks at the implications of the concept of "disaffiliation" as a contributor to chronic homelessness. Solutions for the addicted homeless person are explored, with a special emphasis on the "Three Connections” and how they can be taught and "caught" in a rescue mission setting
An exploration of the seven "Success Factors" identified by the AGRM's Assessment Project and how programs can be developed to help participants to achieve them. An emphasis is placed on the process of establishing support systems to further assist recovering addicts after they graduate from residential programs. Also included is a discussion of support groups, the need to make amends, and how to overcome symptoms of codependency that can result in relapse.
In this session, the need for well organized programs is stressed with several suggestions of how to assist participants to recognize their own progress in recovery. Also includes an exploration of the responsibilities of recovery program staff members and the various "environmental factors' that create a climate for change.
This session is a look at the whole area of program evaluation. It starts with a list of reasons why it is important to conduct assessments of programs outcomes. Also discusses is the process of determining specific outcomes that can be measured and the sorts of documentation is necessary for accurate evaluation. Specific follow-up techniques are also discussed while and emphasis is placed on the notion that the simpler the system the greater the likelihood of success. The session wraps us with some suggested uses of the results of program evaluation and how they can be used to upgrade already successful programs.
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