Careers & Living Skills

In conjunction with our psycho-educational groups that promote emotional health and interpersonal insight, students earn school credit for their participation in our Careers and Living Skills group curriculum.  

These groups are designed to help students learn valuable career and life skills such as: study methods, problem solving strategies, work place skills, career exploration, effective ways to apply and interview for jobs, appropriate communications, and leadership roles.  

Students are also introduced to specific vocational skills and exposed to hands-on experience in a variety of occupational fields.

"Almost 20 months ago during my first visit to DRA.. you said, "One day he will thank you for saving his life.."
        Since Aaron's graduation, every day we spend together is a celebration of his life and his determination to do the right thing.   He thinks about things before he acts, and is sensitive to all issues.   He understands life better and knows that he has a role in it and has to work hard to make a future for himself.
        He started college today.   Considering the direction he was going in 18 months ago, this is a major accomplishment for him.   He understands that hard work has benefits, and is determined to work and finish his school.   This skill was non-existent before he came to DRA. He learned a set of life skills and how to complete things from start to finish with good results.
        We still have challenges ahead, as the world is awash in a sea of drugs, however, I believe that Aaron will stay the course. He is proud of the simple key fob he received at a local NA meeting for being clean and sober for 18 months.   He wears it around his neck and spoke of it to the other students at his graduation address.
        I am happy that for a few brief moments in Aaron's life he was able to live and work with people that had the difficult job of helping people change.   I   know something that many people that didn't get the message of what the program is about.   For every beginning, there must be an ending.   Nothing less than the full amount will do the trick.    
        Aaron knows that as well.   I hope his accomplishment at DRA will serve him well in life.   I know that his perspective on what took place there will change as he matures. Then, he will thank me for saving his life because his life is worth living.
        Thank you and all the Staff of DRA for the fine work they have done with Aaron.  I will miss the peace at DRA, and the fish in the pond.

Many thanks to the entire Dias family for their support, and creating a place called DRA.  Aaron is one of your Diamonds now." 
                                                                                 - Kevin and Alice