The Program


   The Pathfinder, Inc. is a Recovery Oriented Systems of Care Residential Rehabilitation facility, the only facility certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation which provides programs and services to males and females 18 years and older, who suffer from the disease of addiction and have a desire for recovery. The Pathfinder, Inc. is a 90-day program which provides services, such as food and shelter, case management, individual substance abuse counseling, group counseling, transportation, drug screening, continuous access to staff (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year) and assistance with independent living skills provided in a safe and structured environment in order to address their physical and emotional needs. The goal of the Pathfinder program is to help clients replace their harmful behaviors with healthy ones, gain awareness, knowledge, and skills to become stably housed, gainfully employed or achieve their individualized life objectives that will help them remain drug and alcohol free, and be productive members of their families and society.

The Pathfinder program provides a variety of individual and group programs and activities, including a specific 2 week period of orientation. The program is designed to be completed in 90 days (but a client can stay longer if approved). Program specifics include:

  • Individualized, mutually created, rehab plans (progress documented monthly by counselors)
  • 9 individual substance abuse counseling sessions
  • 24 Process group counseling sessions
  • 24 Recovery Dynamics classes
  • 24 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) approved Matrix classes
  • Case Management and education regarding community resources, as needed based on individualized rehabilitation plan
  • 12 step meeting requirements (minimum of 14 meetings per week)
  • 24 "Community" Meetings which is a peer driven process for resolving conflicts and addressing concerns
  • Mentoring from former clients who have completed the program
  • HIV/Aids Health & Safety Instruction (Focus on prevention of HIV, safe sexual practices and dangers of IV drug use)
  • Tuberculosis instruction
  • Assistance with appropriate applications for government benefits, such as Food Stamps and Disability
  • Transportation to 12-step groups, employment agencies, worksites, medical & mental health appointments, and other human service agencies
  • Prescription assistance is provided on as needed basis
  • Case Management provided daily as needed (referrals to other agencies within the continuum of care such as Vocational Rehab, local medical clinics, educational institutions, re-housing programs, etc..)

 

Community Impact Outcome Alignment

The Pathfinder program seeks to educate its clients on living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Pathfinder provides emergency services such as food and shelter and provides referrals for other emergency needs. Within a minimum of the 1st 90 days of the program, the desired outcome for all clients is to successfully complete the Pathfinder program based on the following criteria:

  1. Learn and demonstrate knowledge of program structure and rules by completing measurable goals developed in the rehab plan.
  2. Attend Recovery Dynamics/Matrix classes each week, demonstrating knowledge and insight regarding the disease of addiction and recovery.
  3. Secure and maintain gainful employment, attainment of individualized educational goals, or completion of individualized rehabilitation goals and independent living.
  4. Complete parenting classes and demonstrate knowledge and skills in providing a safe and secure environment for their children.
  5. Establish independent living plan, and secure housing for independent living.

 

Organization Capacity

The Pathfinder, Inc. is managed by an Executive Director and a Board of Directors which oversees fiscal responsibilities, finances, and operations of the Pathfinder program. While the board consists of persons from various backgrounds, at least one member is a former client of the Pathfinder program. The Executive Director holds an Ed.D., is a Certified Clinical Supervisor and holds 17 other clinical certifications. All ten staff members have become certified Associate Addictions Professionals (AAP) through Alabama Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (AADAA), a nationally and internationally recognized credentialing body. Eight of ten staff members have received Medical Assistance Certification (MAC). The Lead Counselor holds an Alabama Certified Addictions Professional certification, is an Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor and a certified Case Manager. The female counselor has a Bachelor in Psychology, is pursuing a Masters in Mental Health Counseling, holds an AAP and is MAC certified. One male counselor is pursuing a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, holds an AAP, and is MAC certified. Another male counselor is pursuing a Bachelors degree, holds an AAP and is MAC certified. Including the Lead Counselor and the Executive Director there are five staff members who are certified Case Managers. Maintenance of the facilities is managed by a Maintenance Supervisor who also holds an AAP and is MAC certified. The kitchen is managed by a staff member who also holds an AAP and is MAC certified. In addition, The Pathfinder utilizes the services of a Registered Nurse who oversees MAC training and MAC certification. The Pathfinder, Inc. also utilizes interns from the graduate programs at the University of Alabama at Huntsville and Alabama A&M. The Pathfinder, Inc. also utilizes the services of a long-term intern who is pursuing a Masters in Addictions Counseling, holds an AAP and is MAC certified.