In so many ways, technology has blurred the lines of community. We forge connections through the internet that transcend location – working, building friendships and supporting each other from around the world. But there is still something to be said about the importance of place and elevating the work that is happening in your community – something we’re excited to do for our newfound friends at the Fletcher Group.
Rooted in Kentucky’s rich history of nonpartisan, data-based efforts to support its constituents, the Fletcher Group helps treatment organizations across the country develop systems, processes and programs that promote healing and recovery. They’re equipped to serve as this resource because they’ve created a successful model here, one that has helped thousands of men and women lead healthy, full lives after grappling with substance use disorders.
Recently, our CEO met the Fletcher Group’s director of outreach, Tony White, and was excited to learn about an organization of thought leaders in this space who are making a change at a national level. As a company that works in similar industries – supporting treatment, reentry, and SUD recovery programs nationally – it was exciting to sit down with Tony and learn about his history, approach and some of our shared beliefs.Building Accountability
Accountability is a critical component of our programming and the work that Tony does with organizations across the country. Holding yourself to a standard and having peers and leaders who also keep you aligned with your goals is essential to success. This dynamic not only provides structure, it creates a sense of purpose. Knowing someone is going to hold you to your word is a tremendous incentive to stick to your goals.
In Tony’s world, accountability sometimes means being lovingly called to the carpet in a modified, therapeutic, peer-led community meeting. “Three times a week from 9 to 10, there's a community meeting at either the Healing Place Hope Center or Recovery Kentucky Centers where the residents in phase one will be in a circle, and the facilitator will ask the residents to disclose personal behavior issues or “hold themselves accountable” or bring to the attention of another resident their behavior that may be inappropriate as an “accountability partner,” Tony said. “And everyone will go around, holding themselves accountable… There are instances where someone may not hold themselves accountable; it is the responsibility of another resident to bring the inappropriate behavior to their attention.”
In our work, accountability might look like a notification that you’ve traveled beyond your allotted boundaries and need to connect with your case manager. Regardless of the method, the concept is a proven way to support behavioral change.
Role of Technology
While the Fletcher Group doesn’t inherently integrate technology into its Residential Long-Term Recovery Centers, Tony recognizes something that we’ve long shared with our clients – technology is a tool that creates opportunities for deeper programming. There is no technological replacement for individual mentorship, counseling or having someone who relies upon you. But there are also court-ordered programmatic requirements and necessary documentation.
“It’s great that tools are providing a little more autonomy and independence,” Tony said. “I think from a technology standpoint – or whatever the ‘new’ thing is throughout human history – we've figured out how to incorporate it into relationships and contact. That shows how important relationships, connection and building a community are.”
When we leverage technology to streamline automatable tasks, we free up administrators’ time to deepen participant engagement.
I think from a technology standpoint – or whatever the ‘new’ thing is throughout human history – we've figured out how to incorporate it into relationships and contact. That shows how important relationships, connection and building a community are.
- Tony White
Director of Outreach