From the August 2010 edition of Chronicles

St. Patrick Center is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its BEST program this year! BEST, which stands for Building Employment Skills for Tomorrow, is a recovery-centered, on-the-job training program for men and women who have a history of substance abuse and/or mental illness.

In the fall of 1990, St. Patrick Center’s Shamrock Club began the Day Labor Training program, which soon turned into what is known today as BEST. From the start, the program provided an opportunity for homeless men and women to earn income while learning to live sober and productive lives, build a positive work history, learn new employment skills and improve their self-esteem.

While the name of the program has changed, the goals of BEST — full-time employment, permanent housing and continued sobriety — remain the same. BEST clients train at SPC, working in custodial maintenance, light construction, woodworking and basic landscaping. “The program is good because I am getting more experience in general maintenance and it’s giving me something productive to do before I go back to school,” says BEST client Roger Mudd. “The BEST program is one of the best programs at St. Patrick Center!”

BEST clients meet weekly with the program’s substance-abuse counselor, attend drug education classes and participate in group and individual counseling sessions. All participants must be 30 days clean prior to entering BEST and sobriety is monitored throughout the duration of the program, which lasts for 8-12 weeks. Prior to completing the program, clients work with St. Patrick Center employment and housing specialists to find permanent, full-time jobs and permanent housing.

To celebrate the program’s milestone, BEST coordinators organized a “Stages of Recovery” Speaker Jam in May. Past and present BEST clients in various stages of recovery read their poetry, sang songs and gave testimonials about overcoming their addictions and/or mental health issues.

“When individuals enter this program, they know it’s not going to be easy,” says BEST manager Muzette Carter. “But they soon realize that if they can commit, they are on the fast track to building permanent, positive change and life-long recovery.”

For more information about the BEST program, visit http://www.stpatrickcenter.org/programs/employment-training/

1. George R.Zell

   November 28, 2010 at 3:10 pm

   Does the center have any interest in tools from a woodworking shop(hobby)? Includes most pieces of equipment needed in a shop. And many accessories. Available in west county. From garage and from walkout basement.
2. srea

   November 30, 2010 at 9:22 pm

   Thank you for your comment. Feel free to call the coordinator of our BEST program to see if there is a need for your equipment: 314-802-5474.