Changing perceptions

Authors

  • Bruce St. Thomas
  • Paul Johnson

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v16i2.598

Keywords:

<i>groups</i>, <i>employment</i>, <i>welfare</i>, <i>resilience</i>, <i>strengths perspective</i>, <i>vulnerability</i>, <i>peer support</i>, <i>individual growth</i>, <i>parents</i>, <i>children</i>

Abstract

In collaboration with Additional Support for People in Retraining and Employment (ASPIRE), Work Opportunities Unlimited, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), The Children’s Cabinet and DHHS case managers, a twelve week peer support program was established which resulted in participants not only getting to tell their life stories and be heard, but more importantly getting to rediscover the roots of their own resiliency. Resiliency theories often relate to the abilities of children to navigate through the complex issues of trauma and recovery. Seldom do we consider the application of such theories to adult life situations. Utilizing the group process that explored both the pain and resiliency of individuals who have had tremendous barriers to employment and feeling successful in the world, through peer support and problem solving with the Children’s Cabinet, many obstacles were resolved. In review of each adult’s life story one could observe both the barriers and opportunities that were embedded in the relational fabric of their life events.

References

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Published

2012-12-20

How to Cite

St. Thomas, B., & Johnson, P. (2012). Changing perceptions. Groupwork, 16(2), 25-42. https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v16i2.598

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2: Number 2 / 2006

Section

Articles

License

Copyright lies with the journal. Enquiries regarding reproduction should be sent in the first place to enquiries@whitingbirch.net

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