Phases
Be Strong Ministries is a 9-12 month program with four phases:
Orientation Phase – This phase of the program will last approximately four to six weeks. During this time you will be introduced to the ministry and have time to adjust to the living environments. An assessment of your needs (spiritual, emotional, physical) will be conducted. You will also work through reading assignments and participate in discipleship teaching.
Motivation Phase – This phase of the program will last approximately 7 months. You will participate in discipleship teaching, academic education, group counseling, job skills training, parenting/adoption education, health and nutrition classes, recovery groups and work therapy.
Declaration Phase – The final phase of the program will last two to three months. You will continue to be equipped through discipleship, while securing part-time employment and researching housing options. We will also assist you by securing community resources to aid in your transition into independent living.
Aftercare Phase – The aftercare phase of the program will be offered to you and can last up to two years.
Personal Growth and Development
It is the Home’s desire that you take responsibility for your personal growth and development. The staff is here to support and guide you through the phases; however, this must be a team effort. For this reason, we operate under a Level System.
The Level System was designed to allow you an opportunity to see the benefits of your positive decisions, your adjustment to the program, and your emotional and spiritual growth.
After your first 30 days, you will have an opportunity to conduct a Self Assessment and request to move to a higher level, thereafter each level assessment is every 60 days. An Assessment Team, composed of various Be Strong staff, will review your request, make a decision and provide you with a progress report. If you are not progressing, If you are not progressing, you may be held at a particular level or dropped to a lower level. You must show consistent improvement and meet all of the
requirements outlined by your level to be promoted.
Level System Work
You are given a two month time period to complete each level. It is our desire you take your time through this process. At completion you will meet with the Program Director to discuss the next step.
Be Strong Ministries is committed to working with you during this challenging time in your life, but we can only do this with your cooperation. Do not attempt to set your own departure date. When you set your own date of departure, you may not be in agreement as to what staff has determined to be a sufficient length of time for your stay. Let go of your agenda and go with God’s plan: He has the better plan.
Note: If you do not have your High School diploma, it is our desire that you get your GED in order to complete the program. We will provide tutoring and instruction in order for you to accomplish this goal.
Measurement of Progress
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15
Monthly Evaluation Procedures
Throughout the program the staff will keep records of the following information concerning
your progress:
a. Class attendance
b. Tardiness
c. Work completed, test, grades, and participation in classes and activities.
d. Spiritual growth toward Christ centeredness
e. Self-centeredness
Level 1 — you will receive two passes for 4 hours each.
Level 2 — you will receive two passes for 8 hours each. Hours at discretion of Be Strong.
Level 3 — you will receive two passes for 12 hours each. Hours at discretion of Be Strong.
Level 4 — you will receive two passes for 24 hours each.
With Program Director discretion, the described level guidelines may be adjusted based upon the Resident’s progress.
- At the end of each month, this information will be tallied by the staff and submitted to the Program Director for review with the Assessment Team.
- This information will be compiled, along with your progress reports, corrective actions and other pertinent information. The Assessment Team will come together to evaluate and provide feedback on your request: however, the Program Director will make the final determination.
- You will not be considered for advancement if you have any outstanding corrective actions, incomplete assignments or if you are on behavioral probation.
- The Program Director or designated staff will discuss your growth with you. Then you will be informed of the decision regarding your promotion.
- If you are denied promotion, you will be re-evaluated after 30 days, following the same procedure.
Level Evaluation Procedures
- The Assessment Team will meet monthly to review the progress of each resident and determine her Level. Remember, levels determine the amount of time given for weekend passes.
- Residents must complete the appropriate ‘Request for Level Change’ form and submit it to the Case Manager by 3 pm on the 20th of each month.
- Please see item one, under the phase evaluation, as these items will be reviewed with all requests for level changes.
- The Assessment Team will spend time discussing the resident’s attitude, behavior, leadership within the community and work ethic (with respect to assignments and work details) before making a determination.
- In conjunction with the review of level requests, the Assessment Team will complete a Progress Report to share positive feedback and areas of opportunities for the requesting resident.
- The Assessment Team reserves the right to adjust levels, even if you do not submit a formal request.
- The Assessment Team or designated staff will share the team’s decision and review your Progress Report with you community and work ethic (with respect to assignments and work details) before making a determination.