Aspire Programming Guide

2025

PROGRAM GUIDE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTACTS ABOUT ASPIRE • Values and Principles • Program Guide • Mission

PROGRAMS • Adult Behavioral Health • Addictive Disease Programs • Residential Programs • Youth and Young Adult Programs • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT CLUBHOUSE LOCATIONS: Dougherty County 321 William Jr Street, Albany, GA Lee County 109 Leslie Highway, Leesburg, GA Early County 763 Jesse Johnson St. Blakely, GA Worth County 502 Ashburn Hwy, Sylvester, GA

• Crisis • Outpatient Services PROGRAM GUIDE |

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CONTACTS ASPIRE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OUTPATIENT FACILITY LOCATIONS: Dougherty County 601 11th Ave., Albany, GA Outpatient: 229-430-4140 PSR: 229-430-4356 Peer Support: 229-430-1960 ACT: 229-430-2721 Youth & Young Adult Services 321 William Junior Street, Albany, GA 229-430-5100

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: Administrative Offices: 1120 W. Broad Ave., Albany, GA Suite C-5 (Administration) Suite B-5 (Personnel) 229-430-4005

Early County 763 Jesse Johnson St., Blakely, GA Outpatient / PSR: 229-724-2050 Calhoun County Outpatient/ Touchstone Residential 55 R E Jennings Ave SE Arlington, GA 39813 Outpatient: 229-725-3333 Touchstone Residential: 229-724-2050

ASPIRE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTER: Dougherty County 601 11th Ave., Albany, GA Navigation Center: 229-430-1842 Comfort Zone: 229-430-1360/1361 Crisis Stabilization Program: 229-430-6005

INTELLECTUAL/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICES: Dougherty County 1120 W. Broad Ave.,Suite C-3 Albany, GA Primus: 229-430-4138

Calhoun, Early, and Miller Counties 218 Damascus St., Blakely, GA I/DD Service Center: 229-723-4325 3

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Terrell and Lee Counties 508 Oak St., Dawson, GA T&L Industries: 229-995-3171 For Developmental Disability Referrals: 1-877-683-8557

E DISEASE • DICTIV A YO •

ESID

• BEHAVOR ENTIAL

IAL H E AL

Commitment to individual and organizational efforts to: build respect, dignity, fairness, empathy, and compassion.

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Commitment to equitable treatment at all organization levels and throughout all programs.

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Committed to recovery-focused, traumainformed and person-centered care.

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Commitment to care, welfare, safety, security, and satisfaction of the individuals we serve and the employees who serve.

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We believe each person is unique and services should be based on needs and preferences.

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Commitment to engagement in community partnerships and whole health.

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TH

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VALUES & PRINCIPLES •

OPMENTAL DISABILI TI

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ADULT • CRISIS CE G N NT E OU R &Y EVEL • D

UTH

WELCOME TO ASPIRE’S PROGRAMMING GUIDE The Aspire Programming Guide serves as your comprehensive resource for understanding our full spectrum of behavioral health, addictive disease, crisis, residential, youth, and intellectual/ developmental disability services. This color-coded guide outlines our integrated system of care, designed to support individuals and families throughout our community with high-quality, person-centered services. Whether you’re a community partner, referral source, or someone seeking services, this guide will help you navigate our available programs and understand how they work together to create a seamless continuum of care.

OUR

MISSION

is to offer affordable, accessible, and quality Mental Health, Addictive Disease and Developmental Disability services by skilled professionals who are sensitive to the needs of individuals and families served.

OUR

VISION

is leading our communities toward health, hope, & recovery.

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ADULT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ACCOUNTABILITY/TREATMENT COURT Aspire serves as the Behavioral Health provider for two Accountability Courts: the Dougherty County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Court, and the Pataula Accountability Court. These courts offer a comprehensive model to assist offenders, providing supervision, drug testing, treatment services, and immediate sanctions and incentives. They offer individuals facing criminal charges the opportunity to enter a recovery program instead of jail time. Aspire’s Accountability Court program involves a multidisciplinary team, including judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, treatment specialists, and others, to address substance dependence comprehensively.

The goal is to facilitate recovery and prevent future legal issues. Accountability Courts have strict requirements, including frequent testing, attendance at recovery meetings, and regular court appearances These programs not only offer essential help but also save taxpayer dollars. Following a “no wrong door” philosophy, they use the courtroom as an entry point to services. Accountability Court Programs include intensive treatment, case management, and community supervision. Participants are held accountable for their behaviors through immediate, practical, and supportive measures.

Aspire operates two separate Accountability Courts. The Dougherty Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Court, serving Dougherty County, offers three tracks: Addictive Disease, Mental Health, and Co-Occurring. The Pataula Accountability Court has two locations: one in Cuthbert, Georgia, serving Randolph, Quitman, Clay, and Terrell Counties, and another in Blakely, Georgia, serving Early, Miller, and Seminole Counties.

CO-REPONSE - R.E.A.C.H. Aspire Behavioral Health, in collaboration with the Albany Police Department, presents the REACH program, a crisis intervention initiative responding to mental health calls to the 911 system. The program aims to decrease recidivism, link individuals with resources, offer post-crisis follow-ups, provide advocacy, and pair law enforcement with mental health professionals. REACH services cater to adults aged 18 and above in Dougherty County. The Co-Response team comprises officers from the Albany Police Department, a fully licensed clinician, and a certified peer specialist. The program’s objectives include reducing mental health calls to the 911 system, lowering recidivism rates, connecting individuals with resources, providing post-crisis support, advocating for clients, and fostering collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals. Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. It’s important to note that REACH does not replace mobile crisis services.

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ADULT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

FOR MORE INFO, DIAL: 229-430-4005

INTEGRATED CARE - THRIVE

The Aspire Integrated Care Program is a comprehensive initiative within Aspire’s Outpatient Adult Mental Health and Addictive Diseases services. This program aims to bridge the gap between behavioral and physical health care by offering a wide range of services to adults dealing with mental illness and/or addictive diseases. The primary focus is on early intervention, treatment of physical health issues, and providing preventive education to participants. The program’s services encompass several key areas: comprehensive assessments of behavioral health, addiction, and physical health needs; nursing assessments and basic care; physician assessments and basic medical care; coordination of care, including referrals to physical health specialists and connecting patients with necessary resources; and whole health follow-up care. By integrating these various aspects of health care, the program strives to address the complex, interconnected nature of mental and physical well-being, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.

INTENSIVE COMMUNITY-BASES SERVICES (ACT/CST) Aspire offers two programs aimed at helping individuals access services and develop skills to thrive in their communities: Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT): Described as a “hospital without walls,” ACT provides comprehensive treatment services in the community round-the-clock. This multidisciplinary team utilizes professionals from diverse backgrounds to address individuals’ holistic needs, including medication, therapy, case management, employment readiness, education, skill-building, and crisis intervention. ACT serves adults with mental illness, including those with co-occurring addiction, who frequently experience crises necessitating hospitalization. The program focuses on assisting clients with daily living tasks, accessing essential services, recognizing risks, and maintaining a safe living environment. Services are available to residents of Baker, Dougherty, Lee, Terrell, and Worth counties.

Aspire Community Support Team (CST): CST delivers community-based services around the clock to adults with mental illness, including co-occurring addiction, who often face crises necessitating hospitalization. Similar to ACT, CST employs a multidisciplinary team to address various aspects of individuals’ well-being, such as medication management, therapy, case management, employment readiness, and skill-building. Additionally, CST assists clients in accessing transportation and community resources, learning budgeting, cooking, hygiene, and social skills, and ensuring their safety. This program is tailored for rural settings and is available to residents of Calhoun, Early, Miller, Seminole, and Decatur counties.

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ADULT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PSR (PSYCHO SOCIAL REHAB)/PEER

PSR (Psychosocial Rehabilitation) is a recovery-oriented program for adults facing mental health or co-occurring mental health and addictive disease challenges. Conducted in a group setting, PSR focuses on teaching and improving life skills essential for individuals in these circumstances. Skillbuilding areas include budgeting, problem-solving, nutrition education, symptom and medication management, vocational and work skills, social skills, and coping with stigma. PSR operates for five hours a day, five days a week.

The Mental Health Peer Support Services Group facilitates skill-building and promotes recovery for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. The program equips individuals with social and daily living skills to help them maintain or return to the least restrictive setting in their communities.

Services include promoting socialization, wellness, self-advocacy, and the development of natural supports. Activities are designed to encourage independence, self-directed recovery, and the utilization of strengths and resources. Staff also assist with meaningful employment and relapse prevention planning.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Supportive Employment Services provide a comprehensive and unique set of services for adults experiencing employment-related functional difficulties. These difficulties may include recent job loss, underemployment, or frequent long-term unemployment for individuals who meet the division’s definition as specified in the Provider Manual. The services are designed for eligible individuals who express a desire for and have a goal of competitive employment in their Individual Recovery Plan (IRP) to become productive, functioning members of the community.

Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) is a key component of Supportive Employment Services, using a well-defined approach to help people with mental illness find and maintain competitive employment. Competitive employment is defined as work in the community that anyone can apply for, regardless of disability status. These jobs can be full-time or part-time, including self-employment, and must pay at least minimum wage with benefits comparable to those provided to employees without disabilities. The job duration depends on the needs of the business owner and the preferences of the worker.

Supportive Employment Services operate Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

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ADDICTIVE DISEASE PROGRAMS (ADULT)

FOR MORE INFO, DIAL: 229-430-4005

CHANGE CENTER The Change Center, an addiction recovery support center, serves as a resource hub for the entire recovery community. It honors all pathways to recovery and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to recover. The Change Center provides non-clinical, peer-led activities aimed at engaging, educating, and supporting individuals and families in making life changes necessary for establishing, maintaining, and enhancing recovery. This community-based service promotes self-determination, self-advocacy, well-being, and independence. Activities are tailored to each individual’s needs, focusing on their recovery and fostering a supportive relationship to empower self-directed recovery efforts.

Services include social support, recovery meetings, artistic recovery support, recovery-oriented training, connecting individuals with other service providers, and assistance in removing barriers to independence and sustained recovery.

JAIL IN REACH The Jail In-Reach Program provides support for prison/jail initiatives including re-entry services, service provision while incarcerated, and partnership between behavioral health teams and the criminal justice system in our service area. The program offers services to incarcerated individuals through specialized contracts, with re-entry services provided to those in the highest levels of outpatient care. Weekly in-house substance abuse services are implemented in Dougherty County Jail, with the Jail In-Reach Counselor floating to the remaining counties in our service area. The program provides rehabilitative skill building and promotes recovery for incarcerated individuals who suffer from addictive disease issues. It equips individuals with necessary supports that build on their strengths and resilience, assisting them in achieving recovery and wellness goals.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

RISE - MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT) The RISE program utilizes a collaborative care model that relies on a team consisting of licensed mental health professionals, Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists (CARES), and medical providers. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) provides specific interventions for reducing and/or eliminating the use of illicit opioids, alcohol, and other drugs of abuse; while developing the individuals social support network and necessary lifestyle changes; psychoeducational skills; pre-vocational skills leading to work activity by reducing substance use as a barrier to employment; social and interpersonal skills; improved family functioning; the understanding of addictive disease; and the continued commitment to a recovery and maintenance program. MAT is a multi-faceted approach treatment service for adults who require structure and support to achieve and maintain recovery from Opioid Use Disorder and/or Alcohol Use Disorder.

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CRISIS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTER (BHCC) The Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) serves as a community-based alternative to inpatient hospitalization for individuals 18 years and older experiencing psychiatric or substance-related crises. The BHCC offers a crisis residential continuum of care through three main components:

CRISIS SERVICE CENTER This 24/7, facility-based, walk-in service provides short-term psychiatric and substance-related crisis evaluation and brief intervention. It aims to support individuals experiencing abrupt and substantial behavioral changes or increased personal distress. The center also offers screening and referrals for those seeking access to behavioral health care but not in immediate crisis.

Services are delivered by both licensed and unlicensed professionals, with licensed supervision, and include crisis assessment, active listening, de-escalation techniques, problem-solving, and referrals to appropriate care levels.

TEMPORARY OBSERVATION UNIT This secure, medically safe environment allows for further assessment, stabilization, and referral of individuals in crisis, typically within 24 hours. Services may include psychiatric treatment, nursing assessment, medication administration, crisis intervention, psychosocial rehabilitation, case management, and peer support. The unit also provides monitoring of withdrawal symptoms and discharge planning.

CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT This residential program offers an alternative to inpatient hospitalization, providing psychiatric stabilization and withdrawal management services on a short-term basis. The unit delivers medically monitored residential services, including psychiatric, diagnostic, and medical assessments; crisis support and intervention; medically monitored substance withdrawal management; medication management; psychiatric/behavioral health treatment; nursing care; brief counseling; and linkage to other necessary services.

The BHCC is designed to prevent out-of-community treatment or hospitalization by providing immediate, comprehensive care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Through its three-component structure, the BHCC offers a range of services tailored to meet the varying needs of individuals in crisis, from initial assessment and intervention to short-term residential care and stabilization.

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RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

FOR MORE INFO, DIAL: 229-430-4005

CRISIS RESPITE APARTMENT - FIRST EPISODE PSYCHOSIS (YOUTH RESIDENTAL PROGRAM) Crisis Respite Apartments provide a safe environment for care and recovery to individuals experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis. The program offers supportive services to help individuals transition back into the community, including individualized engagement, crisis support, behavioral health treatment, linkage to community resources, and transportation assistance. These short-term residential support services aim to facilitate a smooth transition and provide after-care linkage to behavioral health services and housing referrals.

With an average length of stay of 30 days, Crisis Respite Apartments play a crucial role in assisting individuals who have recently transitioned from or are at risk of experiencing episodes of homelessness, incarceration, or admissions to psychiatric inpatient facilities, Behavioral Health Crisis Centers (BHCC), Crisis Stabilization Units (CSU), or 23-hour observation areas. The program focuses on providing a supported housing environment, considered essential for restoring housing stability and further developing skills for independent living.

CRISIS RESPITE The Crisis Respite Apartment (CRA) service offers crisis respite for an individual who needs a supportive environment when transitioning back into the community from a psychiatric inpatient facility, Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), or temporary observation area; or when preventing an admission or readmission into a psychiatric inpatient facility, CSU, or temporary observation area and can be safely served in a voluntary community-based setting. Crisis Respite services include individualized engagement, crisis planning, linkage to behavioral health treatment/supports and other community resources necessary for the individual to safely reside in the community, including transportation assistance when needed to access appropriate services, supports, and levels of care.

FORENSICS The Transitions Supervised Apartments operates on a recovery model that seeks to return participants to a quality life in the community. During the day, the individuals participate in highly structured activities with intense behavioral intervention. The program provides a psychosocial approach to include skills training in communication, socialization, work-readiness , leisure education, self-help and daily living as determined by each individual ‘s needs. Individuals will work on their overall rehabilitation goals and work toward the fulfillment of their rehabilitation and recovery.

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RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS JOURNEY I (CRR) Aspire Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Services manages a supervised Intensive Treatment Residential (ITR) facility with four beds, catering specifically to males in a homelike offcampus setting. Personalized behavioral plans are crafted and put into action for each of the four individuals. Additionally, all residents participate in Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs. Referrals for this program are sourced from the Regional Office.

JOURNEY III (CRR III) The Journey III Program, also known as Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) III, provides residential rehabilitation services to individuals who require a moderate and periodic level of structured support to achieve and enhance their recovery, wellness, self-sufficiency, and independence while maintaining community integration. The purpose of the program is to offer a supervised, semi-dependent living space consisting of two-bedroom apartments, assisting individuals in successfully maintaining housing stability in the community, continuing their recovery, and increasing self-sufficiency. The program offers individualized, goal-directed training and support aimed at restoring individuals to their highest level of baseline functioning in the least restrictive and appropriate environment.

Services provided within the Journey III Program include rehabilitative skills building in various areas such as activities of daily living, health and safety, home and financial management, and personal growth. The program also focuses on community integration activities and rehabilitative supervision. These individualized supportive residential rehabilitative services promote individual initiative, preference, and independence in making life choices regarding services, supports, and providers. The activities are fully integrated into the community to achieve communitybased support, along with staff support and coordination. Individualized behavioral plans are designed and implemented for each individual, and each participant is engaged in Psychosocial Rehabilitation.

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RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

FOR MORE INFO, DIAL: 229-430-4005

PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING (SHELTER PLUS CARE)

The Permanent Supportive Housing Program (Shelter Plus Care) offers permanent housing combined with supportive services to homeless individuals with disabilities and their families. This program is tailored for those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, mental health issues, or substance use disorders who have experienced long-term or repeated homelessness. By providing longterm rental assistance and a variety of supportive services, the program aims to enhance housing stability, skills, income, and self-sufficiency. Targeting homeless individuals and families with disabilities, including serious mental illness, chronic substance abuse, and AIDS, the program offers essential long-term rental assistance linked with supportive services such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and other necessary resources. Aspire BHDDS provides grant funds for housing, while supportive services are funded through other sources. The program is managed

by Aspire BHDDS in compliance with HUD regulations and Part 582 provisions. Referrals are accepted Monday to Friday during regular business hours. The goal is to offer stable housing and comprehensive support to help individuals and families transition out of homelessness and achieve greater independence.

RURAL PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING The Rural Permanent Supportive Housing Program aims to provide permanent housing in conjunction with supportive services to homeless individuals with disabilities and their families in Calhoun, Decatur, Early, Miller, and Seminole counties. The program is designed to link rental assistance to supportive services for hard-to-serve homeless persons with disabilities, primarily those with mental health issues, substance abuse disorders, or AIDS, and their families. To be eligible for Rural PSH, adults must have a documented mental health disability and meet the homeless definition as defined by HUD. In the case of a family, at least one adult must have a documented mental health disability. Rural PSH only admits individuals who have the necessary skills to live independently with support from the Albany Area Community Service Board (AACSB).

Rural PSH targets individuals and families with chronic illnesses, disabilities, mental health issues, or substance use disorders who have experienced long-term or repeated homelessness. The program provides long-term rental assistance and supportive services to ensure stable housing and promote independent living. Referrals are accepted Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

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RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

TOUCHSTONE The Touchstone Dual Diagnosis Residential Program is a comprehensive treatment program designed for adults (18 years and older) who are experiencing co-occurring psychiatric disorders and addictive diseases. This 26-bed, long-term residential program provides individualized treatment and training in a structured and supportive environment, enabling individuals to develop recovery skills and enhance their level of functioning in the community as responsible, self-sustaining individuals. The program is suitable for those in various stages of recovery, including those who have recently undergone detoxification or have left Crisis Stabilization. It serves residents from Baker, Calhoun, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Miller, Terrell, Worth, and other approved areas.

YOUTH HOMELESS DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM (YOUTH RESIDENTAL PROGRAM) The Youth Homelessness Program (YHDP) provides a supported housing environment essential for assisting homeless youth with severe persistent mental health challenges. The program offers a safe environment for care and recovery, along with supportive services to help individuals transition back into the community, including individualized engagement, crisis support, behavioral health treatment, linkage to community resources, and transportation assistance. YHDP aims to restore housing stability and further develop independent living skills by providing stable housing, identifying service needs, referring and linking to necessary community services and resources, reinforcing and coaching independent living skills, and planning and coordinating transitions. The program offers short-term residential support and after-care linkage to behavioral health services and housing referrals, reflecting individual choice and fully integrating into the community to promote methods for achieving residential and community-based social supports.

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YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS PROGRAMS

FOR MORE INFO, DIAL: 229-430-4005

APEX The APEX Project by Aspire delivers mental health services to all schools in the community.

Referrals can come from family members or through the child’s school. This initiative offers a comprehensive range of services for children, adolescents, and families facing functional challenges. It focuses on early detection and intervention, improving access to mental health care, and fostering collaboration between mental health providers and schools. The program serves children between the ages of 5 and 18 attending one of the designated APEX schools.

CLUBHOUSE Aspire Clubhouse is a resiliency program designed for the purpose of providing a safe and exciting place for youth ages 6-15 to learn about their diagnoses and develop valuable life and coping skills.

The Clubhouse also provides opportunity for youth to develop trusting relationships with others through social & emotional skill- based activities. STEAM and other academic activities that nurture academic growth and learning are part of the clubhouse’s daily programming.Aspire has 3 mental health clubhouses located in Albany, Leesburg, Worth and Blakely.

Clubhouse members have the opportunity to develop healthy functioning relationships with staff and peers.

EMERGE Emerge is a program designed for youth and young adults with mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders, ages 16-26 for the purpose of supporting the development of valuable life and independent living skills. Emerge staff work closely with youth and their families for the purpose of identifying strengths and needs, establishing goals and linking individuals with the supports needed to experience success. Various services offered include the following: family and youth education, skills group and activities, employment and academic support, mental health counseling and support.

EVOLVE - PSYCHOSIS EARLY TREATMERNT PROGRAM Evolve is an intensive, team-based program for young adults ages 16-30 with first episode psychosis. The program is focused on early detection of psychosis and quick access to specialty services that offer unique support to young adults and their families. Goals for treatment are person-centered and recovery focused. Evolve is committed to helping young adults LIVE a life full of hope and recovery within the community they live.

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YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS PROGRAMS IMPACT (IC3) !MPACT, or Intensive Customized Care Coordination Program (IC3), offered by Aspire Youth and Young Adult services through Aspire Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, delivers High-Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) services to youth aged 5-20 and their families who are facing functional challenges. HFW is a team-based approach that harnesses resources and talents from various sources to support families in their communities. The program serves youth experiencing a range of issues, including psychosis, attention/concentration difficulties, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, attachment difficulties, and poor anger control. Additionally, it assists those exposed to potentially traumatic/adverse childhood experiences and those demonstrating risk factors for harm. These may include aggressive or impulsive behaviors, excessive substance use with no restrictions, inability to maintain physical safety, or suicidal/homicidal ideation. The program aims to address these challenges by incorporating family history, culture, relationships, and relevant information to develop effective solutions.

MOVE - MC3 - MODERATE CUSTOMIZATION CARE COORDINATION Move or Moderate Customized Care Coordination (MC3) is a specialized treatment model designed for youth and young adults with moderate emotional/behavioral health needs who would benefit from a unique service approach that utilizes community support individuals and certified peer specialists to assist youth with developing hope statements, ensuring service delivery, and promoting youth and family goals towards the future. The Move program is centered on facilitating youth and family connection and promoting hope for the future. The goal of the Move program is to help youth and their families learn how to develop hope and resiliency and promote the belief that change is possible. The Aspire team is committed to walking alongside youth and their families throughout the healing process as they remember and encourage the beauty of growth and connection.

PAC - PROMOTING ADVOCACY & CONNECTION PAC (Promoting Advocacy & Connection) is a peer-led support program that is committed to recruiting, training, mentoring, supporting, and developing the skill sets of parents and/or youth, with lived experience. PAC also provides a platform for individuals to share their incredible experiences, in efforts to connect, inspire, and promote hope for others.

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INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

FOR MORE INFO, DIAL: 229-430-4005

INTELLECTUAL/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY (IDD) The Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD) Services Program offers comprehensive, community-based day and residential services for individuals diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who aspire to maximize their independence. Our agency recognizes the uniqueness of each individual and is committed to providing person-centered, customized services that respect personal choices. The program’s primary aim is to enable individuals to remain in community settings while receiving essential training and support services that foster optimal independence. We operate in three locations: Primus (serving Dougherty, Worth, and Baker Counties), Calhoun Early Miller (CEM) (serving Early, Miller, and part of Calhoun Counties), and Terrell/Lee (serving Terrell, Lee, part of Calhoun, and Randolph Counties). Our services include nursing, supported employment, pre-vocational training, community access, and community living support. The overarching goal of IDD Services is to enhance quality of life by facilitating community integration through expanded social networks, employment opportunities, and the development of new and existing natural support systems.

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SERVICES DOUGHERTY COUNTY OUTPATIENT The Outpatient Adult Mental Health/Substance Use Program service component is designed to provide an array of Core Services to adults experiencing mental illness and/or substance use issues who meet the Division’s Core Customer criteria. Involvement of the individual’s family/significant other/natural support system in the assessment and treatment planning process is encouraged and expected when desired by the individual. Services focus on increasing the individual and family’s involvement in treatment, on the ability to cope with life’s challenges, on empowering the individual to make real and meaningful choices about service options, on developing their own definition of recovery and facilitating recovery.

A range of outpatient services are available to treat individuals experiencing behavioral health issues, to educate each individual about their condition, and to support the development of the skills necessary to function in the community in which the individual lives. Family education and support are important components of treatment.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Mental health services are aimed at diagnosing and successfully treating adults, children and adolescents with mental illness and emotional disturbances. The ultimate goal is to provide the needed services to help people recover from their illness and to function at their highest possible level within their community.

SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES The primary focus of substance use treatment is the discontinuation of substance misuse by individuals. Substance use disorder is a primary, progressive, chronic and potentially lifethreatening condition which is treatable. It is a condition that affects the physical, mental and spiritual areas of the individual’s family, social, and occupational well-being. Recovery from substance use disorder is an ongoing process which includes abstinence and the treatment of the whole person.

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NOTES / REFLECTIONS

FOR MORE INFO, DIAL: 229-430-4005

PROGRAMS OF INTEREST Note any programs or services that stood out to you and may be of interest.

QUESTIONS & FOLLOW-UP Write down any questions or areas you’d like to explore further with Aspire staff.

ACTION ITEMS List any specific steps you plan to take after reviewing this guide.

IDEAS FOR FUTURE ENGAGEMENT Brainstorm potential ways to engage with Aspire, support its initiatives, or explore collaborations.

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ASPIRE TO DO BETTER AND BE BETTER 19

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health, hope, & recovery.

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