The ongoing success of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) across the Western Territory has seen countless individuals recover from addictions, reconnect with families and take steps to rebuild their lives. An amazing program, the ARC aims to prepare addicts for re-entry into the community.

A recent article discussed a number of initiatives that are being implemented to build bridges between members of the Corps and graduates of the ARC. Educational workshops are currently being rolled out, teaching Officers and Soldiers about addiction, recovery and the development of constructive relationships within the Corps. It is hoped that this education will help to breakdown stereotypes and lay the foundations for ARC graduates to feel a real sense of belonging within the Corps community. As Commissioner Knaggs says, “these are our people.”

As previously stated, whilst belonging to a community is vital for recovering addicts, research shows that addicts have the best chance of long-term sobriety if they are able to secure ongoing employment and have access to a safe, sober living environment.

Within the Western Territory, studies have shown that following the initial, six-month phase of treatment at the ARC, only 10% of ARC graduates remain clean and sober after one year. However, this figure increases to 69% if graduates remain at the ARC for an additional six months, and to 86% if graduates gain steady employment and have access to a sober living environment for two years.

Apricot Consulting has been meeting with advisory board members to tackle the issue of employment for ARC alumni. A program is to be implemented that will allow for online storage of resumes, highlighting the skills and experience of ARC graduates. It is hoped that board members and the wider Corps community will also begin to think about their own personal and professional networks, and be intentional about providing introductions to prospective employers where appropriate. After all, the cornerstone of William Booth’s early strategy “In Darkest England and Way Out” emphasized “work for all”, a Salvation Army commitment that continues today.

Likewise, the Salvation Army hopes to reach out to the community about housing opportunities for ARC members once they leave the residential facility. Today’s housing market has made it particularly challenging for the Salvation Army to purchase properties for sober living purposes (however, Territorial Command is still open to this idea). A more affordable option at this time involves leasing properties through the rental market.

However, some property managers may be reluctant to lease a house for the purpose of accommodating addicts in recovery. Due to stereotyping and a lack of awareness, some may in fact believe that their investment houses will be exposed to vandalism, theft and a lack of respect for property.

In reality, proposals made by the Salvation Army to lease housing pose no threat to property owners. Indeed, landlords will know more about their tenants who have just exited the ARC program than they do the average renter. Firstly, residents are not permitted to use drugs or alcohol. Residents have established themselves as law-abiding citizens. Residents must undergo regular urinalysis and breathalyser testing and are required to work and pay for their own living expenses. Residents are also required to keep their living quarters clean and tidy and there are no pets allowed. There would be no additional costs to housing owners, as rent will still be paid in full by the Salvation Army.

With regards to rental costs, residents of each property must pay ongoing program service fees that cover the monthly rent in its entirety, making the transaction cost neutral for the Salvation Army. The reason for referring to this cost as a ‘program service fee’ rather than ‘rent’ relates to the strict rules and regulations provided by the ARC. If an individual breaches any of the program rules they may be evicted from the property by the Salvation Army. However, if direct rental transactions were made between tenants and their landlord, a landlord would be unable to evict a tenant for breaching rules outlined by the ARC program (e.g. bringing alcohol onto the property).

Each sober living facility will be assigned a resident manager to supervise the behavior of all tenants to ensure that the rules and boundaries previously enforced at the ARC continue to be upheld. These rules are designed to aid the recovery process and are strictly enforced. In the absence of the resident manager, tenants will also be held accountable to each other. Those living in sober housing will likely continue to enforce the rules set by the ARC, as the behavior of one can negatively influence the recovery of others.

Ideally, it is hoped that the Corps will be responsible for finding and developing sober living accommodation and turning it into a ‘home’. This move is likely to grow the Corps population by boosting a sense of engagement and belonging among residents who will also be encouraged become a part of the Corps community. However, it is advised that professionals from the ARC maintain control of housing supervision and regulation, as the ARC consists of trained staff who are experts in addiction and recovery and are able to easily identify problematic behaviors and scenarios.

Today we are writing to all Salvationists; Officers, Soldiers and Adherents, to remind our community about classic Salvation Army Mission, helping to bring wholeness in body, mind and soul to those in need. By leasing investment properties and/or providing introductions to those who can, you can be engaged in the healing process of recovering addicts and help them as they journey towards a self-sufficient and drug-free life.

The Salvation Army injects in excess of $150 million into Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC) across the Western Territory every year. Experienced professionals and Officers work with individuals from all walks of life to help them recover from their addictions and prepare for re-entry into the community. Within the Western Territory, 7500 men and women are admitted to the ARC each year with around 2500 (30%) of these members graduating, or “completing” at the end of the six-month program.

Studies have shown that following the initial, six-month phase of treatment at the ARC, only 10% of that 2500 (30%) remain clean and sober after one year. However, this figure increases to 69% if alumni remain at the ARC for an additional six months, and to 86% if alumni remain connected to the ARC for two years. The US national average rate of sobriety one year following time at a mainstream rehabilitation program is only 10-11%. By comparison, completion of the ARC program in its entirety certainly provides a more optimistic, long-term outlook for addicts.

An 86% success rate for addicts, clean and sober after two years is certainly encouraging. However, this figure does not transpire simply due to the dedication and time commitment made by ARC alumni. Indeed, ARC alumni have the best chance at long-term recovery if they remain actively connected to the Corps and to the wider community. This connection needs to be meaningful, where positive, healthy relationships are formed and where ARC alumni feel a real sense of belonging within the Corps community. In addition, the 86% success rate is aided by the latter stages of the ARC program, where alumni have the opportunity to move into sober living accommodations and a focus on employment ensues.

As a result of Commissioner Knaggs’ harvest initiatives over the past 18 months, a number of intentional programs have been set up between the ARC and the Corps. Participating ARCs currently include Anaheim, Hawaii, Pasadena, Phoenix, Portland and San Diego. These ARCs have provided positive feedback regarding integration initiatives, and have reported increasing numbers of ARC alumni attending service at the Corps.

The Salvation Army Western Territory has employed the services of Apricot Consulting to develop an education plan for Officers and Soldiers that will teach additional Corps communities about the ARC, addictions and the recovery process. The aim is to help breakdown some of the stigma attached to ARC members and create a positive platform for the initiation of constructive relationships.

Specifically, the education plan will provide an overview of the ARC program with an emphasis on the nature of addiction and recovery. Workshops will explore ways to help integrate members of the ARC into the Corps, and investigate challenges that come from building new relationships with individuals who are focused on their own recovery.  In a practical sense, Corps members will have the chance to discuss their concerns, explore and breakdown stereotypes and learn about how to assist in the recovery process. It is hoped that following the roll out of this education plan, members at the Corps will have developed a clear understanding of the ARC program and feel positive about their role in the recovery process of individuals who are in need of love, support and acceptance as they journey towards a clean, sober and independent life.

Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. Never up.

Can’t we all learn from this? Not just about kayaking, but about so many things in life. Particularly when it comes to harnessing the position on corporate social responsibility in your organisation.

I recently found a great piece on TriplePundit, where they discussed the business around corporate social responsibility in major sporting events and the impact they can have globally.

They used this equation: BUSINESS = SPORT + ENTERTAINMENT with PHILANTHROPY, CSR and GREENING as side shows…to one where: BUSINESS = SPORT + ENTERTAINMENT + SUSTAINABILITY – which really sums up how we should be looking at this.

Gone are the days of patting the sick child on the head in hospital for a good photo opportunity – now, we can be part of establishing a better life for that child and many more in the same situation.

Or instead of writing a cheque for a village in Africa, go and see what they are really dealing with and get your hands dirty in the process.

At Apricot, we are continuing our work with the North Melbourne Football Club, creating a sensational CSR program that will differentiate them from the other clubs and ultimately, become leaders of the pack.

North Melbourne community embodies a wide variety of cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. The work Apricot will do with the Kangaroos will tie them closer to the immediate community.

Joining up the recent partnership with World Vision to the community, both in North Melbourne and potentially Africa as well, will be vital to embracing The Kangaroos as game changers and begin to set them on the path for a huge program.

What we have discovered over the course of creating these programs for clients is about the massive affect it can have, locally, nationally and globally. With the right tools, knowledge and passion – it can really save lives.

The journey with CSR in sport is not one that has been broadcasted and is not commonly associated together, but significant impact they have already on the public makes CSR so much easier.

In a report funded by the UEFA Research Grant Program, Dr Geoff Walters and Richard Tacon discuss corporate social responsibility in European football and how CSR has not been reported on in the sporting industry in general until recently.

The role of sport in society has become more prominent and as sport organisations have become increasingly influential members of the global community. The concerns of transparency and accountability evident within the corporate world have transferred to sport. This has led some to suggest that sport organisations cannot ignore CSR and that they have to implement it. 

Sport organisations have, over the last few decades, engaged with various CSR imperatives, including philanthropy, community involvement and both youth educational activities and health initiatives.

Much of the research they have done led them to compiling seven key aspects to utilising CSR in a sporting organisation.

1. The popularity and global reach of sport can ensure that sport CSR has mass media distribution and communication power. That is, the prominence of sport within the media helps to promote and communicate CSR activities to a wide audience.
2. Sport CSR has youth appeal: children are more likely to engage in a CSR program if it is attached to a sport organization or a sports personality.
3. Sport CSR can be used to deliver positive health impacts through programs and initiatives designed around physical exercise.
4. Sport CSR will invariably involve group participation and therefore aid social interaction.
5. This can also lead to cultural understanding and integration.
6. Particular sport activities may lead to enhanced environmental and sustainability awareness.
7. Finally, participating in sport CSR activities can also provide immediate gratification benefits.

With these in mind, the process of creating a stand-out CSR program for the North Melbourne Kangaroos will be a challenge, but we are ready to get our hands dirty for this and potentially change some lives.

Uganda Little League Team Champions in Poland

The Little League World Series was first held in 1947 and throughout this 64 year history there has never been in African team in the competition. Chinese Taipei/Taiwan has the most wins, proof that international representation is not missing, but Africa’s lack of infrastructure and general inexperience with baseball has prevented it from participating in the one of highest honors for a young athlete.

This year, however, a team that had been on the rise for the past few years was finally on its way to America. Uganda beat Saudi Arabia on July 16th to qualify for the trip to Williamsport, but shortly after returning home, they were informed that their visas to America were denied. The issue was largely because of the inconsistencies in birth dates with many of players, something very common in Uganda. Though their journey may end this year with some disappointment, it is an inspiring one that can set the stage for other similar initiatives throughout the developing world.

The story begins eight years ago when Richard Stanley, part owner of the New York Yankees’ AA affiliate Trenton Thunder, introduced baseball to Uganda. Baseball was quick to catch on, but communities lacked many of the facilities and equipment necessary to take the sport seriously.

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