New
series is part of InnVision’s holistic approach to ending
homelessness
Motivational
coach David Barron will soon be working with the homeless at various
InnVision shelters, leading group and individual sessions that
will deal with personal performance issues; "providing basic
beliefs, attitudes and skills that anyone can learn to grow more
successful."
"I
truly believe that this is an important resource and will be filling
a gap in our continuum of care. David Barron is a sensitive and
highly skilled individual in the area of helping people change
negative patterns in their lives," says Christine Burroughs,
Executive Director of InnVision. It is Burroughs’ idea to
include personal motivation among the many resources InnVision
offers to help clients make the transition out of homelessness.
"Many
of our clients suffer from depression, low self-esteem, and a
history of negative life experiences. They are unable to envision
‘the good life’ for themselves. InnVision’s programs
provide the physical tools people can use to rebuild their lives:
training, shelter, career clothing, voice mail. We hope that by
adding the strengths of motivation and positive thinking, they
will develop the courage to pick up those tools and to use them
for change."
The
first session took place on Tuesday, 2/15/00 at InnVision’s
rotating shelter program, Community Inns. Says one participant
"he gave us some good ideas—like setting up an alarm
system in your mind, so you know when you are about to make a
bad decision."
The
sessions will be conducted at five of InnVision’s eleven
locations. Barron will conduct 1-hr group sessions and will check
in with staff to share any observations or identify clients that
may benefit from a private session.
"This
is a 6 month trial project, at the end of which we will evaluate
the results - if positive, we will continue," says Burroughs.
She will also seek private funding to support the program.
David
Barron is a motivational coach and owner of Changeworks, a company
dedicated to helping people make positive changes in behavioral
patterns. He is the author of "Learning Patterns of Lucky
People,
How to Get Your Great Good Fortune"; and a corporate consultant
in the areas of stress management, sales training, and time management.
InnVision
has been helping individuals and families make the transition
out of homelessness since 1973. Last year, close to 8,000 individuals
accessed services including shelter, meals, case management, computer
labs, job search assistance, and transitional housing.
All
of these sessions will be open to current residents of InnVision’s
programs. The session at Georgia Travis Center will be open to
any woman who is homeless.
Anyone
who would like more information about this series or InnVision’s
other programs, should call InnVision’s main office at (408)
292-4286, or go to InnVision’s web site at www.innvision.org.
For more information on David Barron, please call 885-1855.
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