Our Programs
H.E.A.T. – Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy
Prepare to disrupt convention with H.E.A.T. – a therapeutic intervention that seeks to redefine the landscape of recovery for Black men enmeshed in problematic substance use and entangled in the criminal justice system. Weaving together the threads of their unique cultural fabric, H.E.A.T. addresses the core triggers of self-destructive behaviors rather than merely focusing on the extent of substance abuse. This groundbreaking approach, comprising 36 modules delivered across nine months, aims to reshape deep-seated, adverse behavioral patterns.
H.E.A.T. is steeped in the richness of Black culture, forging a resilient community out of participants, many of whom might be wrestling with negative mainstream portrayals of their identity. With every expectation of mutual respect and trust, H.E.A.T. dissipates any defensive shields against treatment.
Amplifying the enduring strengths of African Americans, H.E.A.T. illuminates their collective resilience in the face of historical adversities. As the 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 exposes the myths surrounding African American manhood, addressing the impact of historical trauma on the Black family, and explores the systemic challenges faced by African American communities. H.E.A.T. encourages participants to bring about community healing through activism and mentoring.
H.E.A.T. for Youth (H4Y)
H.E.A.T. for Youth (H4Y) is a unique journey of transformation, a therapy program meticulously designed for Black males aged 13 to 17 involved in the juvenile justice system. H.E.A.T.—Habilitation, Empowerment, and Accountability Therapy—is an innovative approach that applies a culturally relevant, responsive, and strength-based model, ensuring a positive and engaging treatment experience.
At the heart of H.E.A.T. is the powerful respect and celebration of Black culture. This approach serves as a counterweight to the negative mainstream images, fostering a sense of community and trust among participants. By breaking down defensive reactions to treatment, H.E.A.T. inspires progress and cultivates an environment where change can flourish.
What’s more, H.E.A.T. spotlights the resilience of African Americans, displaying their triumph over historical injustices. This strength-based approach becomes an affirming beacon for young Black males facing numerous barriers, including racism and socio-economic challenges. By sending the reassuring message that they are competent, capable, and worthy, H.E.A.T. contributes to boosting their self-image and motivation.
But the power of H.E.A.T. does not stop here. It goes further to embrace the individual in their entirety, addressing spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, environmental, and experiential aspects. The program validates the life experiences of these young men and offers guidance to help resolve the multitude of emotional, psychological, and environmental issues influencing their self-image, behavior, and choices. Spirituality is nurtured as a sense of peace, purpose, and connection to others, encouraged in ways most comfortable for the participant.
H.E.R. – H.E.A.T For Women
Habilitation Empowerment Recovery, or HER, is more than just a program. It’s a beacon of hope, a lifeline, and a sanctuary for Black 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. HER is their haven, a place where they can reclaim their lives and their dignity.
The significance of HER cannot be overstated. The criminal justice system has seen a surge in the number of women, particularly Black women, entering its confines. The statistics are staggering: 44% of these women are Black, 32% grapple with serious mental illness, and a shocking 86% have endured sexual violence. The majority are incarcerated for minor offenses, yet they bear the brunt of a system that is ill-equipped to address their unique needs.
HER 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 Black 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.
HER is a lifeline in this storm. It acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Black women and tailors its interventions to their needs. It explores topics of trauma, racism, relationships, and abuse, ensuring that the women are engaged and invested in their recovery.
What sets HER apart from traditional interventions is its emphasis on Black culture and the historical strengths of African Americans. It fosters a sense of community and trust among the participants, promoting reciprocal respect. It celebrates the resilience of African Americans, their spirit, and their determination, offering a positive view of their identity.
HER 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.
H.E.R. 4 Girls
H.E.R. for GIRLS (H4G) is a unique journey of transformation, a therapy program meticulously designed for Black females aged 13 to 17 involved in the juvenile justice system. H.E.A.T. 4 Youth—Habilitation, Empowerment, and Accountability Therapy + H.E.R. —Habilitation Empowerment Recovery is an innovative approach that applies a culturally relevant, responsive, and strength-based model, ensuring a positive and engaging treatment experience for girls.
At the heart of H.E.R. 4 GIRLS is the powerful respect and celebration of Black culture. This approach serves as a counterweight to the negative mainstream images, fostering a sense of community and trust among participants. By breaking down defensive reactions to treatment, H.E.R. 4 GIRLS inspires progress and cultivates an environment where change can flourish for young girls.
What’s more, H.E.R. 4 GIRLS spotlights the resilience of African Americans, displaying their triumph over historical injustices. This strength-based approach becomes an affirming beacon for young Black females facing numerous barriers, including racism and socio-economic challenges. By sending the reassuring message that they are competent, capable, and worthy, H.E.R. 4 GIRLS contributes to boosting their self-image and motivation.
But the power of H.E.R. 4 GIRLS does not stop here. It goes further to embrace the individual in their entirety, addressing spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, environmental, and experiential aspects. The program validates the life experiences of these young women and offers guidance to help resolve the multitude of emotional, psychological, and environmental issues influencing their self-image, behavior, and choices. Spirituality is nurtured as a sense of peace, purpose, and connection to others, encouraged in ways most comfortable for the participant.