Purpose:  To be aware of what others are going through and to be aware that   your stress and fears are normal and to prepare you to deal with these feelings.

The Seven Critical Points of the Program

                               Remember

We are here to listen...

         not to work miracles.

We are here to HELP people DISCOVER what they are feeling...

         not to make feelings go away.

We are here to HELP people IDENTIFY their OPTIONS...

         no to decide for them what they should do.

We are here to HELP people DISCOVER their own STRENGTH...

         not to rescue them and leave them still vulnerable.

We are here to HELP people DISCOVER THEY CAN HELP THEMSELVES...

         not to take responsibilty for them.

We are here to HELP people learn to CHOOSE...

         not to make it unnecessary for them to make difficult choices,

          We are here to provide support for CHANGE.

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SHIP

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1. NEW -- TRANSITIONING ONTO THE SHIP -- Feeling safe, living communally with others.  STRUCTURE, STRUCTURE, STRUCTURE (difficulty with rules, stress their purpose.)  Dealing with others -- guests needn't be friends (some won't make it); treat volunteers like gold. 2.  FIRST 30 DAYS -- LOOKING FOR AND FINDING WORK -- Dealing with rejection, stress as 30 day deadline approaches.  Stress of starting a new job and being evaluated every day. 3.  FIRST PAYCHECK -- First paycheck people (those who spend it on alcohol or drugs) or those who are just looking short-term (move into a motel and back on the street within 3 months) -- Starting to save for a real future.  Many can say and do all the right things when they are broke, but do they have the self-control when they have money in their pocket (don't cash that check -- deposit it in the SHIP account!) 4. SETTING UP A BANK ACCOUNT -- After 60 days, transitioning the control of their money.  Instead of forced savings, it is their choice (mention telephone verification of balances though).  Some are great with SHIP control and SHIP discipline, but have no sellf-control or self-discipline. 5.  HUMP DAY -- Middle of the program compares to Wednesday of a regular work week.  Time seems slow.  Rules seem restrictive.  Can you make it through tgwo more months?  (They will seem like Thursday and Friday of the work week!) 6.  LAST MONTH -- Housing Lead Log.  REVERSE of HUMP DAY since if they could stay and save one or two more paychecks, they may have enough for a vehicle (insured and registered, of course) or to pay off other debts, etc. 7.  GRADUATION AND TOTAL CONTROL -- establishing a life independent of the SHIP (although we're still here for support -- the price is continuing to show your budget book!)  Making friends with the same prioities.  Self-control -- can you apply what you learned about yourself and success or will you repeat those old patterns?  What will happen when you return home at night and there is no SHIP supervisor to talk to.  Wine, women and song (also referred to as drugs, men and wants versus needs).