Interview

What type of agency did you select and with whom did you speak?

I went to The Factory Ministries in Paradise, PA. It is a faith-based organization that works to empowering people to overcome their circumstances and strengthen their community. Most of the clients they deal with fall at or bellow the poverty line. They offer a youth center program. I spoke with a woman named Kendra Martin who is a social worker for the youth center and family services. The center has a partnership with the Pequea Valley school district. I would consider this a school-based Student Assistance Program. 

What types of services are provided to individuals who may be struggling with an addiction?

The program works to prevent kids from being involved with drugs by offering alterative activities to be involved with. They have Open Door Nights and after-school programs where students in grades 6-12 are invited to hangout with their peers while being offered encouragement. All lessons are culturally relevant, contain a message of hope, and teach healthy coping skills. Mentoring/counseling sessions are also available to offer emotional support to teenagers while building their confidence.
If any teens are suffering with an addiction, they are directed to the appropriate sources of help in the community. The Factory has social workers who counsel families and individuals. Many of them do suffer with a substance abuse problem or are impacted by one.

What is the agency’s framework for providing services?   

The youth program really focuses on prevention and education for teens in the community. It is community-based and offers counseling. 

How many clients does the agency serve on an annual basis?

The youth center has about 30 kids who regularly attend all events. Exact numbers were not available but around 200 children have attended at least one event this year. 

What are the legal and ethical guidelines that impact the work they do with clients struggling with addiction?

One major ethical and legal guideline is confidentiality. All things said in counseling sessions must be kept private unless someone threatens to hurt themselves or another. Kendra also stressed the importance of boundaries. It is important to know how much you can do for individuals and how close you can get with clients. Sometimes home visits are done and safety can be a huge concern. If drugs or weapons are present, counselors should not enter the home.

How does your experience connect to information you have learned through assigned readings and in-class discussions?

Like we learn in class and through readings, addictions can affect anyone. I'm glad programs like this youth program are available to offer teens in low-income areas and families activities and counseling to cope with their emotional stresses. Getting them into the center keeps them off the streets, dealing or doing drugs. Prevention is a large part of stopping drug addiction and this program seems to be making a huge difference.