S.H.I.P. Personal Advisors
Personal Advisors play a critical function in the success of SHIP. While congregations provide food, shelter, and certain other needs, personal advisors are the direct link to the guests in evaluating and stimulating their progress toward the goal of self-sufficiency. While each guest must steer his or her own course, the personal advisor serves as one who helps the guest set the course within the SHIP structure and determine when the guest is on or off course.
Personal advisors work with one guest at a time, establishing a one-on-one relationship. PA's also walk a diplomatic tight-rope. A PA should work to motivate and reinforce actions toward employment, permanent housing and self-sufficiency; yet a PA must be careful only to guide guests and never do for them what they can and should do for themselves. A PA is responsible for helping a guest set out a realistic budget to maximize savings for their stay in the program and outline a post-program budget; yet a PA should be careful to establish an open counselor relationship. A PA monitors pay stubs, savings deposits, and other program requirements and has the authority; to issue "strikes" which could result in a guest's exit from the program; yet a PA should not be merely a policeperson. PA's listen carefully to problems, frustrations, histories and dreams; yet a PA's main focus is not on the past, but the present and future in assisting guests to change their own lives. PA's offer the guests a counselor and friend; yet PA's protect the goals of the program.
A PA makes a commitment to meet with the same assigned guest at the host church or site on a weekly basis throughout the guest's stay in the program (up to four months). SHIP tries to have Tuesday nights as the regular meeting time for all guests and PA's, but other arrangements can be made. SHIP provides PA training by other PA's and volunteers experienced in working with the guests, which includes role-playing, reactions to various situations which might arise, and available resources. If possible, new PA's will be matched with and experienced PA for two weeks in order to observe actual roles. In addition, each PA must attend at least one Budget Seminar and one "7 Critical Steps of the Program" Seminar, held on specifically scheduled Wednesday evenings. Other seminars required for guests are always open to PA's. Those interested in finding out more about the responsibilities and rewards of being a PA should click on the following, and someone will be in touch with you:
