Drug and Alcohol Group: A Residential Counselor in conjunction with an outside facilitator from a local drug and alcohol treatment center presents this group. Every resident will be individually assessed on her past drug and alcohol use, and those results used to help her increase her coping skills and better understand her personal drug and alcohol use risk. Residents will learn how to develop a healthy life style, understand the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body, create a relapse plan, learn ways to cope and deal with drug and alcohol triggers, and process any other drug and alcohol related matters including family addiction.

Truthought Curriculum: Meadowlark uses the Truthought curriculum to bring about positive behavior change in our residents. The curriculum utilizes a corrective thinking process based on the understanding that individuals develop behavior patterns, both positive and negative, to explain and support their worldview. We recognize our residents will be most successful after they depart Meadowlark when actual changes are made to the way they think and view and their life. The Truthought curriculum provides us with the tools and techniques that successfully empower our residents to make responsible, pro-social choices. Residents are guided through the Truthought process with group counseling sessions, individual assignments and packet work during their stay at Meadowlark. [Click here for more information.]

The Truthought Curriculum focuses on 4 primary areas of improvement:

1. Barriers to thinking such as the victim role, power control, instant gratification and superior self image.
2. Steps to responsible thinking including personal accountability, self respect, self-discipline and courage over fear.
3. “Time Bomb” tactics like shifting blame and ignoring obligations.
4. Staying on track and developing responsible endurance.

Survivor’s Group: A therapist at the KIDS Center facilitates this group. The KIDS Center is a local non-profit facility that specializes in treating all types of abuse. Each resident is assessed on her abuse issues and is evaluated on whether or not she would benefit from this type of group. During their weekly hour and a half session, the residents learn coping skills and process different abuses they have experienced. A resident might also meet with this therapist individually throughout her placement if it is determined it would be beneficial in accomplishing her service goals and objectives.

Family Group: During this group, residents learn about family dynamics and explore the roles they play in their family. Residents learn how to respect family rules and accept decisions of authority. It is expected that they practice these skills during scheduled home visits.

Women and Culture Group: This group explores a variety of topics focused on different types of women and their life experiences. During this group, discussions are held and residents are encouraged to explore new hobbies and interests. They take a look at women’s issues, do creative activities which may include preparing a traditional meal from a different culture, create self-exploration art projects, and hold discussions about growing up as a teenage woman up in today’s American society.

Independent Living Program/Groups:
Meadowlark Manor offers an Independent Living Class once a week during the school year. The residents are guided through an Independent Living Book. In the fall, the curriculum includes: goal setting, and money, home, and food management. In the spring, they will continue through the second half of the book, which covers personal care, housing, and employment. The girls will complete an employment packet that covers careers, applications, resumes, and interviewing. Each resident receives a certificate of completion at the end of each semester. Each participant will also obtain a Deschutes County Food Handler Card. There are regular guest speakers that cover discussion topics including sex education, fire safety and first aid, nutrition, careers, and finances.

Through Bend High School, Meadowlark Manor girls can receive half a credit in the fall and spring if they complete all of the requirements of the Group. Assistance is also provided for college preparation for residents needing additional assistance in financial aid and scholarship applications.

Debriefs: This is not a regularly scheduled group, but may be initiated by staff if there is a concern the group needs to address. This may also be used as a time to check-in and relate to the group where resident’s “are at”. Staff utilize this time to educate the group on how to resolve conflicts, give and receive constructive feedback, and problem solve the many difficulties that arise from living in a group situation