Paradigm
4-A-Change utilizes the four "A"s model to help clients achieve lasting change: Awareness, Assessment, Action, and Accountability.
Awareness, Assessment, Action, and Accountability is a proven blueprint of success. From individual change through organizational change to societal change the process is the same. These basic principles organize our efforts to clearly identify the next step for effective action.
Awareness
Knowing who we are and where we are at is essential to the change process. The belief that change is possible is the necessary first step. Modernity is all too often rooted in estrangement from connecting with ourselves, our communities, and the natural world. Becoming aware of our own potential and our combined potential when we join with others allows us to have hope that change is possible. Recognizing there is a problem and that solutions are within our grasp is empowering. The directive to “know thyself” is as relevant now as it ever was.
Assessment
Too often we jump from identifying a problem to attempting to fix it. A comprehensive assessment of our strengths, as well as times and arenas, when we have had success is essential to effect lasting change. Elucidating our dreams and our values to discover sources of inspiration, clearly identifying the problem, and understanding barriers, are all critical to a holistic view. Only then can we determine a course of action designed to move us closer to where we want to go.
Action
Action rooted in a plan with measurable milestones is far more likely to lead to success. Small steps, adequately supported and informed by a comprehensive assessment leads inexorably to where we want to go. Goals based on solutions that are under our own power are the proper domain to exercise our bravery. Faith without works is dead.
Accountability
Measuring, following up and reporting back all help us keep on the path of change. Stating our commitments and having an organized process of accountability ensures we stick to the change path and not revert back to our old ways. Creating tools of accountability reminds us that the change process is continuous and ongoing.
The 4 “A”s are a loop. As we change and grow our awareness deepens. New data informs our ongoing assessment. Goals achieved sets up new goals and more effective tools of accountability. Whether we are talking about an individual, an organization, or society at large; the process is the same. Truly the 4 “A”s are a process not a destination.
Evidence Based
4-A-Change utilizes evidence based practices to ensure positive outcomes.
Assertive
No client will be dropped for any reason other than specifically stating that they do not wish to continue working with us. Missed appointments, angry outbursts, intoxication, failure to follow through; these are all reasons why most agencies will drop a client. 4-A-Change will work around these issues and continue to engage a client until success is achieved. Just because a client is not ready to make the next steps today, does not mean that they won't be ready to get started tomorrow.
Client Centered
An approach to social work practice that prioritizes the client's needs, values, and perspectives in the therapeutic process. This approach involves a collaborative process where the outreach worker listens actively to the client, works with them to identify goals and priorities, and empowers them to take ownership of their own treatment. The social worker provides support and guidance, but ultimately the client is encouraged to take an active role in their own treatment.
Solution Focused
A brief and goal-oriented approach used in social work to help clients identify their strengths and resources, set achievable goals, and work towards finding solutions to their problems. It focuses on the client's current situation and desired outcomes rather than on their past experiences or problems.
In social work, the solution-focused approach involves:
1. Building a collaborative and respectful relationship with clients
2. Helping clients identify their strengths, resources, and past successes
3. Clarifying the client's desired outcomes and setting achievable goals
4. Encouraging clients to take small steps towards their goals and recognize their progress
5. Supporting clients to develop strategies and solutions that work for them
6. Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and adjusting as necessary.
Overall, the solution-focused approach is a client-centered and goal-oriented approach that helps clients focus on their strengths and resources, set achievable goals, and work towards finding solutions to their problems in a collaborative and empowering process.
a brief and goal-oriented approach used in social work to help clients identify their strengths and resources, set achievable goals, and work towards finding solutions to their problems. It focuses on the client's current situation and desired outcomes rather than on their past experiences or problems.
Trauma Informed Care
An approach in social work that recognizes the impact of trauma on an individual's life and behavior. It involves creating a safe and supportive environment for clients, where their experiences and emotions are validated and understood. This approach emphasizes the importance of building trust, respecting client autonomy, and promoting healing through a collaborative and empowering process.
In social work, trauma-informed care involves:
1. Understanding the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals and communities
2. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients
3. Creating a safe and supportive environment for clients
4. Building trust and fostering a collaborative relationship with clients
5. Promoting client empowerment and autonomy
6. Providing appropriate interventions and resources to support healing and recovery.
Overall, trauma-informed care is a client-centered approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on an individual's life and seeks to create a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing and recovery.
Motivational Interviewing
A client-centered approach used in social work to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence towards change. It involves a collaborative and respectful conversation between the social worker and client, where the client's own motivations and reasons for change are explored and emphasized.
In social work, the motivational interviewing approach involves:
1. Building a collaborative and empathetic relationship with clients
2. Encouraging clients to explore and express their own reasons for change
3. Recognizing and resolving ambivalence towards change
4. Supporting the client's autonomy and self-efficacy
5. Helping clients set achievable goals and develop a plan for change
6. Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and adjusting as necessary.
Overall, motivational interviewing is a client-centered and collaborative approach that recognizes and respects the client's autonomy, values, and goals. It seeks to elicit and strengthen the client's own motivations for change, while also providing support and guidance towards achieving their goals.
About
4-A-Change was founded in 2016 by brothers John and Mike Trapp as an experiment in promoting social change and enrichment in a sustainable and humane manner.
Started as a resource to help non-profit entities reach their full potential through helping with grant writing, procedures and processes, and achieving accreditation; 4-A-Change pivoted in 2017 to providing direct services to unhoused individuals. Beginning with a contract with Columbia's Downtown Community Improvement District and following up with a contract with the City of Columbia.
It was during 2020 with the start of the Covid epidemic that 4-A-Change really found its footing. Numerous projects were implemented with the local unhoused population; these included short-term bridge shelters, peer run shelters, camp outreach, and camp cleanups.
Mike left the organization in 2021 at which time third party outreach workers were hired and trained in our proven model.
About John Trapp
John has a history in environmental and social justice organizing going back to the late 1980s. He spent 12 years as practice manager for psychiatrist Tod H Mikuriya, MD where he focused on addiction, harm reduction, and therapeutic models. John then served as Executive Director of a homeless shelter for four years in which he shepherded it from a 45 bed seasonal shelter to a 110 bed year-round shelter.
