Becoming an Advocate for an unhoused or recently housed person requires rigorous training. There are seven session with each session covering two topics and discussion. The sessions last about 2 1/2 hours and are usually scheduled on a weekday evening. Two sessions may be scheduled at a Saturday 'Retreat' kickoff meeting.
Session 1
Homelessness - Understand the causes of homelessness and the effects on unhoused people
The Art of Listening- Learn to actively listen without judgment, creating a safe space for Bakers to share their stories and challenges.
Session 2
Social Enterprise Primer - Understand what a Social Enterprise is and how does it differ from a charity and a business.
Assertiveness- Develop skills to effectively communicate needs and boundaries while maintaining a supportive relationship.
Session 3
Bridge Bread Bakery's Program- Hear the history of Bridge Bread's founding and understand how it evolved with respect to the relationship with the Bakers
Boundaries - Understand and implement healthy personal and professional boundaries to protect both the Advocate and the Baker.
Session 4
Current Bridge Bread Support - Learn about resources provided by Bridge Bread Bakery and partners and how Advocates STL works with Bridge Bread Bakery. This includes compensation plan, housing incentive, housing partners, assistance with taxes, dental care, etc.
Crisis Theory - Gain knowledge and practical skills for navigating and supporting individuals through personal crises.
Session 5
Available Community Support - How to coordinate with caseworkers from referring and cooperating programs. Where to find other resources and how to refer.
Confidentiality - Uphold strict confidentiality to build trust and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
Session 6
Link Up Basics - Understand how Bridge Bread matches a Baker to an Advocate, expectations for reporting and peer-group supervision, what to do when problems arise.
Peer Group Supervision and Continuing Education Overview - What to expect from bi-weekly sessions.
Session 7
Meeting Your Client - How to conduct an initial meeting and how to build a 'Safe House'
Paperwork - Learn about the Personal Wellness Index and how to administer. Using the Client Intake Worksheet. When and how to use In-Depth Worksheets. Maintaining Advocates Reporting Contact Sheets.
Commissioning - After completing all training sessions, qualified Advocates will be commissioned, and they will become eligible to be matched with clients who have expressed an interest in having an Advocate.
As new clients are hired and as Advocates move on, the Advocates Leader will work with Advocates to link up the most appropriate resource.
Ongoing - Advocates STL will continue to meet bi-weekly for continuing education and peer-group supervision.
Continuing education will highlight specific life challenges our clients face and the resources we can bring to bear. We will have presentations and discussions with partner programs and supporting organization.