Treatment Phase

"Treatment" is a highly structured phase where most of an individual's inclinations, strengths, and weaknesses are established. Residents are also encouraged to get-to-know each other and establish healthy friendships. As the treatment phase progresses, time is consumed by regular job functions, academics, seminars and encounter groups; leaving no time for non-constructive endeavors. At Habilitat, residents learn hard, work hard and play hard. The Treatment phase provides the foundations of a new lifestyle, one focused on responsibility, self-reliance, self- awareness, confidence and commitment to change.


Most prospective residents come into Habilitat because they lack purpose and meaning in their lives. They are often emotionally immature and cannot cope with day-to-day pressures, anxieties, and disappointments. In the "treatment phase", these residents are taught a new way to deal with their feelings. They are given tools and concepts, and most importantly, concern from others who understand. From the examples set by others, it becomes clear that a new life is possible for anyone who makes use of what is offered. The program can work for anyone.

Individuals will begin to develop regular sleeping and eating habits. Simple principles such as being on time, cleaning up after themselves and other seemingly simple tasks have to be relearned. The treatment phase is a phase of learning and growing. Residents who do not have their high school diploma or GED will be enrolled in our GED program and attend regular classes. It is our goal that everyone leaves the program with a high school diploma.


Re-Entry Phase

A resident advances to the Re-Entry phase of the program approximately six months after induction. At this stage much of the structure found in the treatment phase has been reduced and the individual is compelled to make gradual adjustments working toward self-reliance. In this phase greater demands are placed on the individual, starting with vocational training. Emphasis is placed on responsibility and accountability. At this point a resident is expected to cope with a normal workday agenda.

From this point of the program residents are obliged to learn a practicable and marketable skill. They earn a normal stipend which they are taught to formulate a budget, as they would normally do in society. Contact with people and elements outside of the program becomes mandatory; thereby providing the exposure needed while gradually re-entering society.


The encounter group is still a part of their program. Played two evenings a week, it keeps individuals in tune with why they came to Habilitat and what they came to accomplish. After the normal work day, re-entry residents are made to assume various responsibilities which include the filtering down of information to the younger residents. The act of "giving back what was given to you" is an important concept taught in our program.



Post Re-entry

The post re-entry phase is designed to alleviate "culture shock" syndrome. Based on considerable past experience with residents who encountered serious problems after completing the program, gradual transition is necessary to increase the prospective graduate's chances for success. It is in essence stepping down from the highly structured, controlled environment and beginning to enter society. There is a gradual winding down of clinical controls and residents make more and more decisions regarding their future goals, education and occupation.

In the "post" phase, residents are encouraged and given more freedom to re-establish family bonds especially those with children. Habilitat provides a safe environment for families to interact and the needed support to help guide the residents. In the post phase residents have earned a "day off" where they can engage in healthy leisure activities. There are a number of activities that Habilitat offers. Residents are also encouraged to find things off of the facility to do such as movies, beach trips, theatre or partake in some of Hawaii's historical activities like a sail on the Hokulea pictured above.


One of the most frequently asked questions in regards to the post phase is "Do you help people find a job when they are done with Habilitat?" It is our goal to get an individual to the point where they do not need help in finding employment. They have the confidence and skill set to "do for themselves." We believe that without struggle there is no progress and the hardships endured after graduating are what lead to independence and maturity. The Habilitat experience teaches graduates many things about life and themselves. Whether it be the concepts of the program or vocational training, a resident embraces that one thing that later serves as the foundation of their new person.



Elder

The elder phase is completely optional. It is designed so that an individual can have the opportunity to become more financially and most importantly, more emotionally stable. Participating in the Elder phase helps to reinforce everything that has been taught. An Elder is afforded the opportunity to pass along vital information and personal experience to residents coming up through the program. This makes it possible for Habilitat and its residents to continue moving in a forward direction.


Staff Trainee

The Staff Trainee phase is designed for individuals that have a desire to give back what was given to them. The majority of our staff have completed the program themselves and decided to dedicate themselves to helping others. This phase is optional as well and only for those that are serious about making a commitment to help others. For these individuals it is an excellent opportunity. They are afforded the opportunity to work for one of the most successful treatment centers in the nation.