Program

The Setting

Each Project Transition (PT) community is comprised of approximately 25 persons who live in apartments within the same complex. Three roommates share a furnished two-bedroom apartment. Most neighbors of Project Transition members are ordinary tenants and not associated with our program. This reflects social reality, reinforces normalcy and responsibility, and reduces stigma. At most of our sites, two nearby apartments serve as the activity hub of the program – this is where community meetings, group therapies and workshops, and individual sessions occur. There is also a computer for PT members. We provide transportation services, public transportation is nearby, and some of our members have cars. Our staff team is on-site weekdays until 9:00 p.m. All of our sites have staff coverage on the weekend and our 24/7 crisis response system is as close as the phone.

Setting Setting Setting

Values and Focus

Project Transition is guided by healing and hope. Even in the presence of painful struggles and set backs, we believe that personal recovery through self-management can occur.

“Bio-psychosocial” describes our focus. “Bio” describes the appreciation of a biologically-based model of health and healing. This includes the mind/body connection, brain functioning and chemistry, and overall wellness. Examples of “bio” at PT include:

“Psychosocial” describes the ways that our communities foster relationships and self-management, restore hope and functioning, and sustain personal recovery. This occurs through:

Another aspect of “psychosocial” relates to spirituality - the search for meaning that acknowledges a higher purpose. We believe that this is achieved through introspection, empathy, and social responsibility.

Our Work is Specialized

The experience of psychiatric difficulties is highly personal. While diagnostic terms can be helpful, it is the person that matters. We help people with a variety of diagnoses. This diversity is essential, for individual differences encourage support to be given and received.

Each branch of PT has distinctive programs. The links below describe our specific approaches:

Specialized Specialized Specialized Specialized

An Individualized Approach

The typical week of program activities is unique for each Project Transition member due to differences of need, readiness, employment or college coursework, and level of care.

When a person first comes to PT, he or she receives the maximal level of structure and support. Over time and with progress, the person’s schedule evolves to reflect the right mix of services, supports, leisure, and independence. We also support the person in volunteering, working, or college coursework.

Many members leave PT gradually as they develop relationships and social networks in the greater community. We practice the concept of “human bridge” -- as a person navigates transitions with more autonomy, his or her relationships with staff and peers remain constant and meaningful. The intensity of supports and supervision gradually recedes, important relationships are sustained, and confidence grows. When setbacks occur, multiple safety nets are already in place.

“The staff members of PT respond to my daughter as a whole person, not as a mental patient. Even when things get difficult, the staff are flexible, practical, and creative. ”
— Judith M., mother of a PT member

Activities and Services

Visitors often comment that Project Transition feels both busy and friendly. Our weekdays are structured with a variety of activities that may include:

Community:

Treatment:

Substance Abuse Treatment (for persons with psychiatric and drug/alcohol problems):

Substance

Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Psychosocial Skill Development:

Psychosocial Psychosocial

Wellness:

Wellness Wellness Wellness

Leisure