MyHomeInc Resource Guide

be a small lens on diversity, and I want to chal- lenge that.” To increase the availability of diverse pro- grams, however, there must first be an increase in counselors of color. This means tearing down the barriers that contribute to this need. Green estimates about 65 to 70 percent of the people in Minnesota prisons are black, though this race only accounts for eight percent of the state’s population. In addition to the structural and his- torical factors that are behind this rate of impris- onment, Green says the residual effects of these prison sentences often prevent individuals from fully reentering society as contributing mem- bers. “Fifteen years after their sentences, these charges can follow them through parole and probation that can keep them from attaining jobs and even working in this field to help pre- vent other people from going down their path. This creates a block in that representation.” When examining the functions of treatment fa- cilities, Green says the demands of funding and licensing requirements prevent many larger fa- cilities from offering quality treatment to each of their clients. “The system is set up to fail because of this,” Green said. “We have deadlines that just aren’t attainable. This means programs can only do the bare minimum when seeing clients. It’s often a cookie-cutter approach.” He says this leads to an increased value of smaller programs like My Home Inc. “I know this program is at a point of keeping its caseloads small and manageable to be able to provide appropriate service to each client. Offering mental health and substance abuse treatment means we have to keep things individ- ualized.” With counselors who meet the require- ment of diversity Green considers most important and their ability to connect with their clients, he believes this program is a most valuable asset to this community and each of its clients in need of assistance. My Home Inc, is a most valuable asset to this community and each of its clients in need of assistance - Peter Green

A licensed alcohol and drug coun- selor, Peter Green met the owner of My Home Inc, Farris Glover, several years ago through an African-American men’s profes- sional support group. Green is the diversity director for another fa- cility and often directs referrals to My Home Inc. He says he primarily assists clients who have less than favorable perspectives toward substance abuse treatment, such as people with histories of criminal justice involvement. Green’s experi- ence in the field has led him to discover several ways in which the African-American community is underserved. Now in his 31st year of recovery, Green has worked to build constructive relationships with his clients based on shared experiences and trust. “With me being in the position that I’m in, people are able to share with me things they might not be comfortable with sharing in a group setting.” Through his work as a diversity director, he works to ensure inclusivity is upheld, especially when seeing clients from minority populations. He says this factor can often be overlooked in treatment and recovery programs. “There’s a long way to go,” he said. “When black men are coming out of prison, there are experiences they often don’t want to talk about within a group setting. These men also don’t feel comfortable talking about those ex- periences with someone who isn’t male and isn’t black. It’s just natural to want to talk with some- one like me who can connect with them on those levels.” Green says this is where diversity within treatment programs is most important. “Some people just don’t understand the trauma that these guys have gone through.” In referencing cultural competency, Green said diversity must span beyond matching a client’s skin tone, but there must also be some identification with their experiences, traumas and beliefs. “There tends to