LOOP for Life in Transition

open_window_present_xsmallSome of  the most interesting personal planning workshops Marcia and Denny Hamilton recently conducted involved  the work they did with students in the CSALT program--a part of the Workforce Development/Workfirst initiative  run through Olympic College.   The CSALT program (College Skills and Life Training) provides ongoing learning experiences for students, allowing them to begin studies anytime during the quarter.  The reason TAP was contacted by OC was because a LOOP participant from the Mission Creek correctional facility, who liked the LOOP process, suggested that her program advisor consider using the method at OC.  The student tenaciously  pursued this because she had found LOOP so helpful in figuring out the steps she needed to take to get her "After Mission Creek"  life in order.

(Students in the CSALT rogram must fit Workforce Development criteria,  qualifying as low-income working parents --175% of Federal poverty level or below--and be financially responsible for a child(ren) and/or be parents receiving TANF benefits, working 20 hrs/week, receiving DSHS and Employment Security approval for education and training.)

By the end of a LOOP workshop, active participants have completed a workbook and a series of charts (including an objective tree, an activity wheel chart, and a personal planning chart).  By the end of the workshop they have:

  • Identified some personal goals and objectives;
  • Clarified their direction toward action;
  • Outlined some personal steps toward change;
  • Produced drawings which illustrate their present and their future;
  • Identified key activities for priority objectives; and
  • Feel motivated to move forward

open_window_present_smallThe TAP team ran these five LOOPs* (Life Oriented Objective Planning experiences) and LOOPettes (the half day version)  at both the Shelton and Bremerton campuses, impacting more than 100 students over a six-month period.    Brianne Baker, the program's coordinator at OC, co-facilitated the sessions and Joe Teisan and Lorie Waggett assisted with the biggest group of forty-five.  During the workshops  students assessed their  own circumstances, visualized their current situation, imagined a desired future situation for themselves, created  a plan to move toward their future goals, and outlined some first steps to get started.   The LOOP took them through a ten step process, the LOOPette is compressed into five steps.

 

Given their circumstances, many of the students could see no further into their future than getting that pick up truck they so desire, and at first many were overwhelmed by the legal, educational, and familial entanglements they needed to work through to get them.  But they after they warmed to the idea that they could "dream" a little about what they wanted, they diligently worked through the exercises, sharing their ideas with their small group and volunteering in plenary.   Ms. Baker and her supervisor were quite pleased with the students evaluation and TAP plans to continue to do LOOPs at Olympic college throughout the 2010 and 2011.

Some Typical Commments from Participants:
Some typical comments by Mission Creek participants were:  "This was very enlightening and I believe will be useful to my future. I liked what I have learned; We all have similar goals. I have outlined some plans and goals.  Colorful.   I'm surprised to see a plan for the future. I think I can reach these things; If you break it down it's not overwhelming; Little do-able steps. Useful."

Some OC Participants said

 

LIKED

COULD BE IMPROVED

I  really liked doing this...it helped me a lot by showing the parth I need to take to accomplish my goals.

Be more assertive with disruptive people.

Liked having the booklet to use and sharing.

I think that the program is an overall good program, I just suggest that you organize a little better.

I felt it was really good to look at problems/ issues that are stopping me from achieving my goals.

Keep it to the smaller groups.

I learned a new way to prioritize

Bigger pictures for the slide show. I couldn't read the words.

I like the way you made me look at all the negative things in my life and about myself.  Made me think about stuff more.

Condense pages 16 & 17 with pages 14 & 15 and do the same for step 4a on page 18 with Step 5 on page 19.  In addition, correct the typo "about" on 2nd line on pg. 20.  James L.

Thank you for this workshop.  Loopette taught me a new and visual way to set goals.

Would like to have more  time doing this.

Good about today.   Today was great.  I'm now able to see what direction I'm heading to accomplish my goals to make a better life for me and my son.

 

This class outlined my problems and helped me realize that I can change them.

 

I like how it made me realize what I NEED to do to accomplish my goals.

 

I liked looking at obstacles in my life and finding solutions to overcome them.

 

WorkFirst / Work Study - http://www.olympic.edu/Students/WorkforceDevelopment/workFirst

WorkForce Development (Bremerton Campus) -http://www.olympic.edu/Students/WorkforceDevelopment/