MatriArk's Project BOAST gives mothers the chance to start all over and learn the skills need to succeed in today's society.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
Seabrook, NJ (August 6, 2008) - Seabrook House’s MatriArk Family Center celebrates the three month anniversary of its newest venture labeled Project BOAST- Behavioral Office-Based Achievement and Success Training. This program became one of the eight projects selected from 153 applications seeking funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s New Jersey Health Initiative Program through the Rowan University Foundation.
"We are delighted that Rowan was able to secure such a competitive grant that will fulfill a great need in our program,” said Susan Gordon, research director at Seabrook House and co-principal investigator on the project. “With the financial support of this grant and the expertise of the staff from Rowan University and Seabrook House, the BOAST program will save lives.”
Project BOAST works on a schedule from 10am-12pm, Monday through Friday, for 26 weeks and runs with the assistance of MatriArk staff and psychology students from Rowan University. This program focuses on creating a therapeutic environment for the residents of MatriArk to help them develop skills and learn proper demeanor and behaviors that can be used in their professional life when they move on from the MatriArk program.
The program is separated into two workplaces: the “Therapeutic Workplace” that closely resembles the typical workplace, and the BOAST “Office” to which women are promoted when they have reached certain performance goals in the Therapeutic Workplace. The “Office” simulates the task-orientation, group work, leadership, collaboration and various other abilities needed to work in an office setting.
“Women in recovery will learn skills such as typing, data entry and maintaining a professional demeanor,” said Rowan psychology professor MaryLouise Kerwin, who will direct the program and is the principal investigator of the project. “The program also will provide clients with a structure and setting to establish healthy lifestyle behaviors and skills, such as financial responsibility, social skills, a simulated salary and other supports designed to build their confidence and self-esteem.”
BOAST not only trains the women with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace environment but it will help train recovering women in positive interaction with their children.
We welcome all news media and professionals to visit our MatriArk Family Center and experience Project BOAST first hand.
Please contact Maureen Kibelstis, Public Relations Coordinator for Seabrook House, 856-455-7575 ext. 1151 or e-mail Mkibelstis[@]SeabrookHouse.org for more information or to schedule a visit.
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