Step by Step Model

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THE STEP BY STEP MODEL

Step by Step fulfills its mission through the various programs it offers to incarcerated women and women on the outside.

There are four basic principles around which all our programming is designed: narrative theory, strength-based practice, working in groups and the use of creative activities.

Step by Step of Rochester’s Mission

Step by Step assists women who are, have been, or are at risk of being incarcerated to rebuild their lives and the lives of their families through strength-based programming.

228 South Plymouth Avenue

Rochester, NY 14608

Phone (585) 224-0763

Fax (585) 288-8026

info@stepbysteprochester.org

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Structured Environment

Step by Step workshops offer the women a structured environment for learning and self-reflection. They provide a safe environment for discussing issues of concern and provide role models of women who are leading productive lives. The workshops incorporate self-esteem building and goal-setting into the curriculum. Because the best group facilitator is often a woman who "has been there" we train and supervise women who have been incarcerated and are now in recovery to co-facilitate groups.

Narrative theory is used in our workshops and are designed to help women tell their stories through various activities that encourage this. Telling one’s story in a structured setting does two very important things: it gives women an opportunity to face the pain they have sealed off (usually with drugs) and it shows them that they are not alone in this pain.

Strength-based practice focuses on strengths rather than problems. Women in prison are so overwhelmed with problems (high incidences of mental illness, violence, drub abuse, physical and sexual abuse, etc.) and so convinced they are worthless, that it is necessary to help them find some core of strength inside themselves before they can begin to face their problems.

Group work is essential so that the listeners of each women’s stories can point out strengths to her, over and over again, until she begins to claim them as her own.

Creativity helps women to face the pain they have buried. Creative exercises help them find the words to tell their stories, since it is difficult for women who have been abused and beaten down from early childhood to believe they have anything to say. This is the beginning of their journey to finding their own voices and claiming their own power so they can rebuild their lives.