Nature and Purpose
Victory Programs, Inc. is a leading provider of individualized treatment programs to people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, particularly those with psychological and medical problems including AIDS and HIV infection. Victory Programs is also a provider of community outreach, education and training about AIDS and addiction. From its beginnings in 1975 as Victory House, Victory Programs has evolved into 11 residential and six outpatient programs providing shelter, counseling and other services to men and women living with addiction, psychological problems and a variety of other health problems. Among those programs, three are currently available for PULSE students:

The Living and Recovering Community (LARC), is a residential substance abuse stabilization program for men and women living with HIV/AIDS, who struggle with chemical dependence. Most residents are also homeless upon admission to the program. LARC provides comprehensive treatment for alcoholism and chemical dependence, including case management, individual and group counseling, acupuncture, expressive therapies, and housing search advocacy.

Shepherd House is a residential substance abuse treatment program, otherwise known as recovery homes, for women from diverse cultural backgrounds seeking recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction.

Women's Hope is an intensive, short-term (14-28 day) residential substance abuse program for women with multiple needs, including women who are pregnant and court-ordered to treantment.

Clients at each of the above residences of Victory Programs participate in a wide range of programs designed to serve the needs particular to clients at each residence. These include Stabilization Plans which identify specific therapeutic goals and objectives and group meetings from three to six times per day on site, seven days per week. At any of the residences the groups may include Relapse Prevention, HIV Support Groups, Stress Management Groups, 12 Step Groups, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous Discussion Groups, Family Education Group, Meditation Groups, Recreation Groups and Housing Groups.

Tasks
Each of these opportunities within Victory Programs offers students direct contact with clients on a regular basis, which will allow the occasion to hear clients’ stories and struggles as they deal with addiction, recovery, and HIV. PULSE students are asked to provide a supportive, listening presence to residents. Depending on the site chosen, this would occur through tasks that include: facilitation of recreation groups and activities, coordination of group walks and outings, participation in group sessions, assisting staff with front desk coverage and data organization, training seminars in the areas of mental health, addiction and HIV/AIDS, and assistance with front desk duties and with daily and holiday activities

Supervision 
PULSE students can expect weekly one-on-one supervision with the Program Director and to attend weekly staff meetings.

Time Requirement
Hours are generally during weekdays, anytime between 7:00 AM and 8PM. Hours are highly flexible and negotiable depending upon student needs and schedules.

Supervisors:
Jose Mandes LARC
170 Morton Street, Jamaica Plain
(617) 522-2936

Carolina Estevez, Shepherd House
22 – 26 Windermere Rd., Dorchester
(617) 282-4102

Susan Dodge, Women's Hope
10 Chamblet Street, Dorchester
(617) 445-0208
www.vpi.org/larc
 

Council Member
Kara Keating

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