The strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice. - George Eliot
A Story
Josh had a dream of being a country singer. When asked about his goals, he always said the same thing. “I want to be a country star.” Staff said he was grandiose; that he would never be a singer. Then Donna came along and said, “Why not?” Donna arranged for Josh to have a job coach, who found a restaurant that had karaoke once a week. He helped Josh practice until Josh was ready to perform. Staff took turns every Friday night providing moral support for Josh while he sang. Josh was a hit with the patrons.
Eventually, Josh made contacts in his community and found additional venues where he could sing and play his guitar. He even met another singer, who he fell in love with and married. Now they perform together in their hometown. Josh told Donna that he was finally a star!Supports and Services
Below are some key elements essential to providing effective supports and services:
• Growth and change are valued and supported. A person’s hopes and dreams serve as the basis for all services and supports.
• Services and supports are flexible, available and based on the person’s needs. Period.
• People have the autonomy to choose the supports they need and who will provide them.
• There is no “one plan fits all”; rather, each person decides what will work best for them. This will change over time. Services and supports must be responsive to changing needs, personal growth or new life situations.
• Experiencing a setback, crisis or an increase in symptoms is part of the recovery process and does not mean failure. It offers an opportunity to learn about what is working and what is not working.
• Hope is the cornerstone of recovery. Having a trusted “personal champion” who will provide unconditional support through life’s ups and downs helps build hope. Peers, family members, friends, community members or service providers may serve in this role.
Resources
The following are websites with links to information, articles and services applicable to behavioral health and addictions.
The National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse
http://www.cdsdirectory.org/resources.htmlSAMHSA’S Partners for Recovery
http://partnersforrecovery.samhsa.gov/index.html Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy
http://www.cmhsrp.uic.edu/nrtc/reports.asp