PROGRAMS:
Our organization is in a unique position and free to develop research efforts and programs without oversight or the constraints imposed by traditional research.
If we think the ideas we're exploring might help people dealing with a number of mental and physical problems, we look for a population to work with and reach out. This freedom of action allows us to develop ideas and work with populations that traditional researchers have problems connecting with.
Traditional research is focused on the research; our programs focus on the needs of people in our programs. We are less concerned with how to implement a pre-structured program, but creating a structure around applied idea’s that meet the needs of the people we work with.
We have worked successfully with children struggling with autism and developed a nationally recognized program for a large diverse group of homeless individuals.
Because our programs are holistic in application and don’t use or recommend the use of any medications, there is little danger of doing more harm. Our programs only use activities that might be considered traditional play such as Skiing, Tai Chi, stilts, slack lines, walking and balance boards. They are activities we use to instill confidence and remove self-doubt. It is not what we do, but how we do it, that helps an individual gain confidence in their ability to deal with the world around them.
All our programs are structure around Geometric Behaviorism principles, principles that could redefine what motivates all human behavior.
If we think the ideas we're exploring might help people dealing with a number of mental and physical problems, we look for a population to work with and reach out. This freedom of action allows us to develop ideas and work with populations that traditional researchers have problems connecting with.
Traditional research is focused on the research; our programs focus on the needs of people in our programs. We are less concerned with how to implement a pre-structured program, but creating a structure around applied idea’s that meet the needs of the people we work with.
We have worked successfully with children struggling with autism and developed a nationally recognized program for a large diverse group of homeless individuals.
Because our programs are holistic in application and don’t use or recommend the use of any medications, there is little danger of doing more harm. Our programs only use activities that might be considered traditional play such as Skiing, Tai Chi, stilts, slack lines, walking and balance boards. They are activities we use to instill confidence and remove self-doubt. It is not what we do, but how we do it, that helps an individual gain confidence in their ability to deal with the world around them.
All our programs are structure around Geometric Behaviorism principles, principles that could redefine what motivates all human behavior.
HOMELESSNESS:
Homelessness is a problem everywhere. Understanding Us, is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit working to bring programs based on new thinking to the problem of homelessness. Your donations and sponsorships can help this effort.
The “problem” has been part of every society. Cities across the country have had little success helping individuals experiencing addiction and mental health issues. No matter how hard they’ve tried or how much money thrown at the problem, nothing ever changed. Even with Salt Lake City's 'Operation Rio Grande', the homeless population continues to be present everywhere in the city. Groups of homeless individuals and the mentally ill still gather in city parks and drugs are available most everywhere.
Understanding Us and members of the homeless population are working together in Salt Lake City to bring change for the homeless as well as the public perceptions of homelessness. Including the homeless population in this process is essential to improving their lives. Understanding Us does this by treating the homeless individuals with dignity, respect and humility.
The “problem” has been part of every society. Cities across the country have had little success helping individuals experiencing addiction and mental health issues. No matter how hard they’ve tried or how much money thrown at the problem, nothing ever changed. Even with Salt Lake City's 'Operation Rio Grande', the homeless population continues to be present everywhere in the city. Groups of homeless individuals and the mentally ill still gather in city parks and drugs are available most everywhere.
Understanding Us and members of the homeless population are working together in Salt Lake City to bring change for the homeless as well as the public perceptions of homelessness. Including the homeless population in this process is essential to improving their lives. Understanding Us does this by treating the homeless individuals with dignity, respect and humility.
Please join us at the SLC library on Mon, Wed and Thurs mornings at 9:15 on the Plaza for coffee and camaraderie and inside at 9:45 for Tai Chi. All are welcome and we encourage the public to join.
TAI CHI PROGRAMS:
Our Tai Chi Programs at the Main Library and in Pioneer Park are one of our efforts. A group of over 50 street folks gathers at the library three days a week for a burrito, coffee, social interaction and an intensive Tai Chi activity.
These programs use unique ways of attracting participants. There are many programs designed to “help” the homeless, but none have achieved the level of participation of our programs. Typical participation in other programs is one to five. We attract thirty-five to fifty-five people a session.
Tai Chi at Library Square
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Tai Chi at Pioneer Park
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HOW DO WE DO IT?
We make fresh breakfast burritos every morning in our homes. But many programs offer food and still fail. We believe if you feel your program has merit, you do whatever it takes to attract people. Understanding Us pays the homeless $2.00 to join us and we never question how the money is spent. All we care about is that those dealing with the issues the homeless deal with join us. Everyone is welcome.
Hung over drunks and fidgeting addicts show up. People on and off their meds come and participate. They not only come, but end up socializing and making new friends. The group has become its own support system with everyone looking out for each other no matter where they are in the city.
We make fresh breakfast burritos every morning in our homes. But many programs offer food and still fail. We believe if you feel your program has merit, you do whatever it takes to attract people. Understanding Us pays the homeless $2.00 to join us and we never question how the money is spent. All we care about is that those dealing with the issues the homeless deal with join us. Everyone is welcome.
Hung over drunks and fidgeting addicts show up. People on and off their meds come and participate. They not only come, but end up socializing and making new friends. The group has become its own support system with everyone looking out for each other no matter where they are in the city.
CHAMPIONING LEADERSHIP:
The program is being led by residents of local shelters and these “leaders” are being trained to engage others in learning to become leaders in the process. The leaders are trained to focus on those that join us with special needs, people dealing with effects of strokes or dyslexia. The “leaders” are a new breed of social worker.
Most mornings the street folks head to a local service provider for coffee and pastry, then hit the streets trying to hustle a couple of dollars for cigarettes and “other things”. We felt the time would be better spent in our program. So instead of panhandling, they are now doing Tai Chi.
Current cost of both physical and mental therapy programs: $17,200.00 annually
The program is being led by residents of local shelters and these “leaders” are being trained to engage others in learning to become leaders in the process. The leaders are trained to focus on those that join us with special needs, people dealing with effects of strokes or dyslexia. The “leaders” are a new breed of social worker.
Most mornings the street folks head to a local service provider for coffee and pastry, then hit the streets trying to hustle a couple of dollars for cigarettes and “other things”. We felt the time would be better spent in our program. So instead of panhandling, they are now doing Tai Chi.
Current cost of both physical and mental therapy programs: $17,200.00 annually
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Many of those who join have over time, accumulated a number of warrants. Many of these are the result of aggressive policing during Operation Rio Grande and create problems when the homeless seek jobs or housing. We viewed the warrants as an impediment to moving on to something better.
Because of this, we approached the Homeless Court in Salt Lake City about using our program as a Community Service alternative. They accepted our proposal and our “leaders” now work with participants to reduce the number of warrants.
Learning Tai Chi and regular participation is counted as Community Service. Any activity that can be viewed as personal betterment, or an activity that leads to personal growth is counted. Applying for a job, signing up for any program, taking care of warrants, getting a GED or helping other homeless persons do any of the above, counts as doing good for the community.
Many of those who join have over time, accumulated a number of warrants. Many of these are the result of aggressive policing during Operation Rio Grande and create problems when the homeless seek jobs or housing. We viewed the warrants as an impediment to moving on to something better.
Because of this, we approached the Homeless Court in Salt Lake City about using our program as a Community Service alternative. They accepted our proposal and our “leaders” now work with participants to reduce the number of warrants.
Learning Tai Chi and regular participation is counted as Community Service. Any activity that can be viewed as personal betterment, or an activity that leads to personal growth is counted. Applying for a job, signing up for any program, taking care of warrants, getting a GED or helping other homeless persons do any of the above, counts as doing good for the community.
HELPING those labeled “difficult”:
Many of our participants have been aked to leave other programs. Some, because of behavioral problems can no longer use the City Library. Many from time to time “go off their meds” and are hard to deal with in structured, often overwhelmed service programs. They cause problems and are asked to leave.
No one has ever been asked to leave our program. If they don’t participate, there is no burrito or $2.00. But if they participate, no matter how well they do, or how hard they struggle, they are treated with respect. In fact, those that struggle the most are the most appreciated. This is what I personally feel creates the magic of the program.
HELPING those labeled “difficult”:
Many of our participants have been aked to leave other programs. Some, because of behavioral problems can no longer use the City Library. Many from time to time “go off their meds” and are hard to deal with in structured, often overwhelmed service programs. They cause problems and are asked to leave.
No one has ever been asked to leave our program. If they don’t participate, there is no burrito or $2.00. But if they participate, no matter how well they do, or how hard they struggle, they are treated with respect. In fact, those that struggle the most are the most appreciated. This is what I personally feel creates the magic of the program.
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LEARN TO SKI PROGRAM:
The past two winters, we have offered a “learn to ski” and deal with stress program for up to ten homeless individuals. Again, the focus is on motion and learning to move using a process we have created that is intended to replicate “learning to walk” in an environment that reproduces the stresses created by our intuitive fear of falling. We would like to find a research partner interested in gathering data on the effectiveness of the program. We hope this program will generate new ways of dealing with stress. Financial Support Needed: Nordic Valley Ski Resort and a local sponsor are helping with the cost. The program starts in early January. Still needed: $1620.00 |
PEER LED JOBS & SUPPORT PROGRAM:
We are developing a program in which the homeless can help the homeless get jobs, enter housing, and provide support while navigating a “system” that often hinders as much as it helps. We have participants in our program who understand the shortcomings of the system. They are the true experts.
Members of our program have volunteered to work with others in our program, helping them navigate the “system”, learn Tai Chi and set up a well monitored jobs program. Once again, we hope to have researchers monitor the successes and failures of those we place in jobs.
Financial Support Needed:
Wages: Cost of 3 part time positions: $47,000.00
All donated funds go directly to programs and are tax deductible. There are no administrative costs. Become a sustainer with a monthly donation that helps any of the above or with the day-to-day operation.
All the great folks in our program thank you for your support.
We are developing a program in which the homeless can help the homeless get jobs, enter housing, and provide support while navigating a “system” that often hinders as much as it helps. We have participants in our program who understand the shortcomings of the system. They are the true experts.
Members of our program have volunteered to work with others in our program, helping them navigate the “system”, learn Tai Chi and set up a well monitored jobs program. Once again, we hope to have researchers monitor the successes and failures of those we place in jobs.
Financial Support Needed:
Wages: Cost of 3 part time positions: $47,000.00
All donated funds go directly to programs and are tax deductible. There are no administrative costs. Become a sustainer with a monthly donation that helps any of the above or with the day-to-day operation.
All the great folks in our program thank you for your support.
STUDIES:
SLCC Short Term Memory:
As the result of observations we’ve made, a SLCC Professor is organizing a study that will measure the short term memory capability of people in the homeless community. It has been shown that people experiencing trauma have difficulty with this function. If a person has trouble with memory, how do they learn a new job or how to manage an apartment or learn any of the skills necessary to transition into a new life?
Transitioning becomes impossible. Understanding Us is looking at this as the main roadblock for many who are trying to move beyond homelessness. Tai chi is a tool that we’re using to explore how to use a combination of thought and motion to regain and expand the ability to form an effective personal problem solving process.
The study will examine the level of the problem within the greater community and the impact our program is having on those in our program. Funding is needed to support this effort. Cost of the study has not yet been determined.
SLCC Short Term Memory:
As the result of observations we’ve made, a SLCC Professor is organizing a study that will measure the short term memory capability of people in the homeless community. It has been shown that people experiencing trauma have difficulty with this function. If a person has trouble with memory, how do they learn a new job or how to manage an apartment or learn any of the skills necessary to transition into a new life?
Transitioning becomes impossible. Understanding Us is looking at this as the main roadblock for many who are trying to move beyond homelessness. Tai chi is a tool that we’re using to explore how to use a combination of thought and motion to regain and expand the ability to form an effective personal problem solving process.
The study will examine the level of the problem within the greater community and the impact our program is having on those in our program. Funding is needed to support this effort. Cost of the study has not yet been determined.