Before coming to Elouera I was in Jail. my lawyer was searching for my enrolment in to a rehab centre. My lawyer made contact with Melissa who then contacted me in prison and with her encouraging words I was on the edge of my seat hoping to go to attend the Elouera program.
Upon arrival to Elouera I'll be honest was nerve racking, but the staff and the other residents helped me find my feet. I was extremely appreciative to be out of incarceration and be in a rehab program to help improve my skills to enter the community again and how to regulate my emotions and learn to cope with relapsing skills, I was looking forward to a lot of self care, healthy living, eating, exercise and understanding.
The first few weeks into the program and I struggled a lot having no connection with the outside world, being highly restricted in areas presented a challenge. Lucky I made a special bond with another resident and we helped push each other to the end of the program. Although Melissa and Kristi tried to advocate a lot for us and helped make our time more realistic, tried to broaden our connections with the outside world. As the days progressed on, changes where made, staff left, new staff arrived, programs decreased, physical activity declined and became limited. The enjoyment and gains from the program became less and less enjoyable, knowledgeable and the real struggle began.
On completion of the Elouera program I would like to reflect and say although I had appreciation from being out of prison and the opportunity to attend this program, feeling like I was out of prison and learning new skill and progressing back into community was not there, the isolation was too similar to prison. I was disappointed in the program it put me in a worse head space than when i was in prison. If it wasn't for friendships made and the long term understanding staff, Mel, Kristi, Tracie, Kim and Margie, I would have not competed the program. Lets hope some improvements on the program is made in the future. Throughout my time I recall more then 4 residents came and left. hopefully in future there is a 100 % completion rate, and the residents can find some enjoyment along with new skills and ways of coping in the community
"My Stay in the women's program"
About: Lives Lived Well – Elouera Women’s Residential (Orange) Lives Lived Well – Elouera Women’s Residential (Orange) Orange 2800
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