I’m delighted to see that Kevin McDonald, president and CEO of Durham-based TROSA (Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers (TROSA) is being honored for the results-oriented work his group is doing — without government funds — as the last stop for substance abusers. TROSA is a multi-year residential program that’s considered a last stop for people with very, very serious problems. The Herald-Sun reports that McDonald will receive the Social Enterprise Innovation Award from the Social Enterprise Alliance.
Here’s how TROSA approaches its work as an alternative to prison:
TROSA accepts substance abusers with one condition: they must have a strong desire to change their lives. The TROSA philosophy is based on principles of self-help and individual empowerment. Key elements of the program include vocational training, education, communication, peer counseling/mentoring, leadership training and aftercare.
TROSA’s purpose is to help substance abusers overcome their addictions, so there are a myriad of support groups and structured activities required for residents. By the time they graduate from the program, residents have a personal savings account, a donated and refurbished car, transitional housing, and marketable job skills.
Congratulations to Kevin McDonald, and thank you for illustrating that a government program isn’t required in order to help people with serious problems.
