PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

Our client’s progressive development plan is executed under the direction of a certified social worker through careful program assessment. Other support personnel include the Director of Educational Studies and the Director of Substance Abuse Services.

Our initial assessment strategy is to identify physical and mental healthcare needs and refer each person to proper care. While doing this we recognize that over 40% of our population is HIV infected and our counselors actively participate in client development plans to reduce risk or harm through educational programs and continuous one-on-one counseling. We use client centered behavior modification techniques to challenge self-defeating beliefs and attitudes about themselves and substitute realistic beliefs about self-efficacy.

Each client’s progress is measured through client contact sheets and client development plans. Upon entering our program the resident and social worker together construct a mutually agreed upon development plan towards a self-sufficient lifestyle through a guided step-by-step path. Each step of the program is outlined with achievable goals and ways to obtain these goals. One of the primary values fostered by our approach is client self-responsibility. Some clients feel minimally helpless and come to URC for guidance and direction. Other clients feel totally helpless and overwhelmed. Whatever the needs, we meet the challenge and make a difference.