Destiny Haven website

Destiny haven is a long term residential life skills development training

program for women with any life controlling issue. It is an initiative of Designed

for Destiny Incorporated, a charitable organisation (registered Public

Benevolent Institution) that exists to see women with broken lives find healing

and wholeness. Destiny Haven commenced operations in February 2007. We

provide a safe and secure residential program for women seeking to change

their lives. Destiny Haven is a Christian program and our programs are

designed from a Christian worldview.

Destiny Haven provides comprehensive education, social, emotional, physical

and spiritual services intended to promote in clients a commitment and

capacity to engage with and contribute to the wider community. We are not

modelled onthe therapeutic Community Model, although similarities exist

between the two. We provide a family environment of unconditional love and

acceptance where clients are encouraged to redevelop family relationship and

develop and interact with support networks to help facilitate a smooth

transition to independent living when the program is completed. Our program

also offers optional opportunity for those completing the program who may

wish to advance themselves to remain wiht the organisation on a voluntary

bases being role models and mentors to the new residents.

The program is between 4-12 months or even longer and each woman is

treated individually and have the opportunity to advance at their own pace

through the program. THose entering stage 2 are able to continue in the

program whilst studying part time or working part time. This also gives

opportunity for safe re-integration into the community at the program

completion. All residents are involved in the operation of the community of

Destiny Haven which promotes change through the mutual support offered

and also through self-development. The program focuses on social, emotional,

physical, psychological, behavioural as well as spiritual dimensions of life

offering a holistic approach. The program encourages wellbeing by

encouraging behaviour and attitude changes and by instilling healthy life

values in our extended family approach. We celebrate milestones like birthdays

and those who prove themselves trustworthy, capable and motivated will

be awarded extra responsibilities. 

Accomodation is twin share although new clients will have their own room

durning the first of the induction weeks. All linen and food are supplied. RENT

is paid fortnightly in advance. All residents are issued with a key for their room

and a key for their lock-cupboard for valuables. All residents are responsible

for their own kys. A security bond of $100.00 is payable on admission and is

refundable at the completion of the program providing the client has stayed at

least four month and has no monies owing.

Our program consists of the following core elements:

* Group therapy and eduction

* Living skills management

* Individual counselling

* Vocational experience activities

* Daily goal setting, journalling

* Social and recreational activities

* Expansion of our cottage industry which includes jewellery design and

making, jams, chutneys, Christmas puddings and items that are sewed, card

making etc.

* Each client is given a case manager that meets regulary with them.

* Sport

* Daily devotion group (Monday - Friday  9-10am)

* Weekly Church attendance

Pariticpation in all activities is compulsory. Unwillingness to participate in

these activities may result in discharge.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Each resident is assigned a case worker who helps them during the early

stages of the program to settle in an ensures that the new member of the

program is clear regarding rules and procedures. They will be required to

complete review sheets periodically and to set goals. Case managers handle

any issues that the resident is comfortable discussing. THis is NOT

counselling which is conducted weekly by a qualified counsellor.

COUNSELLING

Counselling is done by qualified counsellors with at least an

advanced Diploma in Counselling and in-field experience. This is an important

aspect of the program and will be at least fortnightly or weekly if the counsellor

feels this necessary for a period of time. Home work is assigned to be

completed before the next session.  NB. Counselling is a recommended

component of the program but is voluntary.

SPORT

Sport is formally conducted weekly and is varied from week to week. During

summer, water aerobics is a favourite. During the cooler months activities may

include walking, soccar, volley ball, table tennis, cricket or base ball. All

residents are required to participate in sport and are encouraged to undertake

extra exercise activities during their free time.

COTTAGE INDUSTRY

Our cottage Industry "Destiny Delights"  and "Destiny Designs" continue to be

developed to help with costs of operation of the ministry. These items include

quality jewellery, jams, preserves, marmalades, Christmas puddings, bags,

covered journals, card making and more. Residents are taught new skills as

the take part in this vital part of the program.

STAGES IN THE PROGRAM

New residents arrive experiencing a measure of crisis. Some may come

straight from a detox centre and may be still suffering some of hte effects of

long term alcohol or drug abuse. OThers have experienced trauma in

childhood or long term depression. THose with eating disorders come with

other crises that include extreme anxiety as they come to terms iwth the fact

that they will be required to eat and will be stringently watched to avoid

purging.

For most of our clents, relationships are fractured, finances are out of control,

life has become unmanageable.

During the first month of the program, new residents are given a "buddy". THis

will be someone who has been in the program for a while and who has worked

through many of their own issues and has been awarded extra responsibilities.

TIme is given for the newer member of the community to get used to their new

home, begin a regular routine. Their buddy will be the one who is their first port

of call if they need to know anything. They will work with their buddy to learn

the house duties, group expectations, homework etc. Latitude is given during

this time as we recognise how courageous it is for someone to enter a

program in the first place. During outings, buddies stay with each other for

protection and accountability. Only one call a week can be made OR recieved

during this time.

From induction the client progresses through the program to Level 1. Greater

expectation is imposed on the resident in terms of applying themselves,

participating and also being accountable for themselves. More intensive work

is done in the area of living skills including budgeting, cooking meals,

household management and if licenced, errands. Development in

relationships, tolerance, role-modelling and accountability are encouarged.

Residents will have fortnightly shopping, will earn days and weekend leave,

phone calls can be made twice a week, but recieved any night of the week.

Moving into the next level will be different for each client depending on their

own initiative.

Stagel two is for those who have shown growth, initiative, trustworthiness, an

ability to become others focussed rather than self absorbed and for those who

have proved responsible beyond expectations. Counselling during this stage

will be less frequent and both counselling and case management focuses on

the area of relationships and restoration. Clients in Stage 2 are able to enrol

in a Tafe course or look for 1-2 days voluntary or paid work while still having

the safety of the program to come "home" 2. Level 2 residents will be given

more responsibilities in terms of helping new girls and will be expected to be

positive role models and will also be given increased time awy from the

program. THis is designed to help the woman become more independant.

GROUPS

A variety of subjects are studied in the group therapy sessions. THese include

Boundaries, anger management, co-dependency, personality profiling,

Celebrate recovery and others. All residents are involved in groups and

homework is compulsory.