Our Programs

Prepare to disrupt convention with H.E.A.T. – a therapeutic intervention that seeks to redefine the landscape of recovery for men caught up in problematic substance use and entangled in the criminal justice system. Weaving together the threads of each participant’s own cultural fabric, H.E.A.T. addresses the core triggers of self-destructive behaviors rather than merely focusing on the extent of substance use. This groundbreaking approach, comprising 36 modules delivered across nine months, aims to reshape deep-seated, adverse behavioral patterns.

H.E.A.T. is rooted in culturally responsive practice, forging a resilient community out of participants, many of whom carry the weight of how others have labeled them. With every expectation of mutual respect and trust, H.E.A.T. dissipates any defensive shields against treatment.

H.E.A.T. amplifies the strengths each person inherits from their own culture and history, drawing on the resilience participants have already shown in hard circumstances. As participants realize their worth, capability, and potential, they’re guided towards a positive perception of their identity, providing the compelling motivation to persist through the program.

With H.E.A.T., the spotlight is not on a singular facet of an individual but the whole person – their spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, environmental, and experiential dimensions. The program validates the diverse life experiences of participants, helping them navigate the maze of complex issues influencing their self-perception, behaviors, and lifestyle choices.

H.E.A.T. ventures beyond the individual, delving into wider societal constructs. It examines the myths and expectations placed on manhood, addresses how trauma moves through families, and explores the challenges facing the neighborhoods and families participants come from. H.E.A.T. encourages participants to give back through mentoring and community involvement.

Habilitation Empowerment Recovery, or H.E.R., is more than just a program. It’s a beacon of hope, a lifeline, and a sanctuary for women who have been entangled in the criminal justice system. These women, often victims of circumstances, are battling not only the stigma of incarceration but also the demons of substance abuse and mental health issues. H.E.R. is their haven, a place where they can reclaim their lives and their dignity.

The significance of H.E.R. cannot be overstated. The number of women held in local jails has risen sharply, and research into that population is sobering: the Vera Institute of Justice reported in 2016 that 32% of women in local jails have a serious mental illness, and 86% have experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes. 82% are held for nonviolent offenses, yet they bear the brunt of a system that is ill-equipped to address their needs.

H.E.R. is a beacon of change in this bleak landscape. It provides a safe space for these women to share their experiences, seek support, and embark on the journey of healing. It addresses the root causes of their struggles – mental health issues, substance abuse, and trauma – with interventions that are culturally relevant, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed.

The impact of incarceration on women is profound and far-reaching. The prison environment, with its inherent violence and trauma, often exacerbates the issues these women face. The lack of adequate healthcare services, coupled with the strain of separation from their children, leaves these women in a worse state than when they entered the system.

H.E.R. is a lifeline in this storm. It acknowledges the specific challenges women face and tailors its interventions to their needs. It explores topics of trauma, discrimination, relationships, and abuse, ensuring that the women are engaged and invested in their recovery.

What sets H.E.R. apart from traditional interventions is its emphasis on culturally responsive care and the strengths participants bring with them. It fosters a sense of community and trust among the participants, promoting reciprocal respect. It celebrates that resilience, spirit, and determination, offering a positive view of their identity.

H.E.R. treats the whole person, addressing the spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, environmental, and experiential factors that influence their sense of self and their choices. It validates their life experiences and helps them address and resolve the issues that have shaped their self-image, behavior, and lifestyle choices.