MyHomeInc Resource Guide

”PEOPLE NEED TO FEEL-YOU WANT TO MEET THEMWHERE THEY ARE.” - Sophia Thompson One of the things we’re getting better at is talking to service recipients and asking the community what their experience has been and what has and hasn’t worked for them. In that, we’re learning more about the dispari ties that exist. We’ve heard that clients want «ÀœÛˆ`iÀà ܅œ ÀiyiVÌ L>VŽ}ÀœÕ˜`à ȓˆ>À ̜ theirs. The community wants to feel that when they come into a treatment location they not only see a representation of themselves, they also feel comfortable because the environ- “i˜Ì ÀiyiVÌà œ˜i ̅>Ì Ì…iÞ >Ài v>“ˆˆ>À ܈̅° My Home Inc. is one of the few places that has that feel when you walk in. 9JCV CTG HCEVQTU [QW DGNKGXG CTG URGEKƂE VQ people of the Black community that affect the quality of their treatment? I think there is a distrust of systems. There is often an association of systems with the government and with oppression. That’s because of so many events that have hap pened throughout history, and that’s the case with many minority groups. In order to assure someone you’re there to help them, they need to know you’re not associated with that. You have to see them on a human level, get to know them and spend time with them. It may take a while for them to realize that. How can service providers begin to address these barriers?

But if I can meet them at the park or near their house and we can talk, that allows them to be more open because I’m meeting them where they’re most comfortable. It starts with engagement. They need to feel you want to meet them where they are. What role does the diversity of a treatment center’s staff play in a client’s recovery? It’s not just about having a diverse staff. It’s about having a diverse board and leadership ̅>Ì Õ˜`iÀÃÌ>˜`ð -Ì>vw˜} ˆÃ œ˜i Vœ“«œ˜i˜Ì] but it really starts at the top where powerful decisions are made. It’s about the policies that are being written and grants that are being sought after. That’s how we’re really able to get at the systemic challenges that get in the way of someone completing a program and being successful in their treatment. If lead iÀň« `œià ˜œÌ ÀiyiVÌ Ì…i Vœ““Õ˜ˆÌÞ] ̅i˜ there’s a disservice to our clients.