The Nuts and Bolts of a RAPP Program

1
The Nuts and Bolts of a RAPP Program

• Jeannie Berzinskas
• July 26, 2007

2
Getting Started

• What is a support group?
• 1. Mosbys Medical, Nursing, Allied Health
  Dictionary
• Support group- 1) organizations that serve as a
  link in the network for family caregivers and
  patients, such as those who are homebound,
  mentally ill, elderly, or suicidal or who have a
  specific disorder such as multiple sclerosis. The
  groups help families and patients find a balance
  of responsibility. 2) organizations for people
  who share a common problem.
• 2. Riverside Websters Dictionary
• Group- a number of individuals or objects
  collected, situated or classified together.
• 3. Combined for the purpose of RAPP groups
• Support group- A number of individuals gathered
  together by a common circumstance and serve as a
  network to help caregivers find a balance of
  responsibility.

3
Getting Started

• Why People Join Support Groups
• support
• safety in numbers
• learn a new skill
• adult time
• identify with new role
• similar circumstances

4
Developing Support Groups

• Structure of First Group
• introductions
• brief statement about agency
• clarify job of facilitator
• clarify mutual expectations (ground rules)
• encourage intermember interaction
• develop an agenda
• gain consensus
• begin developing a supporting culture
• obtain honest feedback and evaluation

5
Developing Support Groups

• Group Schedule
• Meal
• Reminder of ground rules
• Introductions and check-ins
• Topic discussion or guest speaker
• Wrap up and looking towards next month.

6
Recruitment and Collaboration

• The 3 Cs of Recruitment-
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Caring

7
Catholic Charities Kinship Program

• Services
• 7 monthly support groups in the Denver Metro
  area.
• Monthly newsletter sent to caregivers and
  collaborative partners.
• Resource and Referral Services
• Brief Case Management
• Special Events

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Catholic Charities Kinship Program

• Special Events
• Large social gatherings including Valentines
  Party, May luncheon, Summer BBQ, Fall Party and
  Holiday Party
• Special assistance such as distributing school
  supplies, food baskets (Thanksgiving and
  mid-December) and holiday gifts.
• Special activities including State Capitol Tours,
  Childrens Social Skills Groups, Interviewing
  Skills Workshops, Legislative activities, CPR
  classes and Nutrition series.

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Contact Information

• Jeannie Berzinskas, MSW
• Kinship Coordinator
• Catholic Charities
• Denver, Colorado
• 303.742.0823 ext. 620
• jberzinskas_at_ccdenver.org