The Negotiating Life™ Program

This program element is at the core of SCI’s beliefs. We believe that if we provide residents with life skills, we can help reduce the revolving door phenomenon of the chronically homeless and institutionalized. Mainstream society can be too complicated and too demanding for those who do not possess the required skills necessary to navigate obstacles and negotiate life. At SCI, we believe all people can succeed in improving their lives when given the chance along with training and support to improve and enhance their lives. Through Negotiating Life™, SCI gives people a chance to do just that.

Negotiating Life™ is a training program that teaches residents the skills necessary to negotiate their way through the maize of bureaucracy that often stops them from realizing their full potential. It is a unique hands-on workshop series that teaches such valuable skills as conflict/dispute resolution, effective communication, anger management, and stress reduction techniques.

Simple and uncomplicated, the skills of listening and appropriately responding are taught and drilled in such a way as to reduce defensiveness and manage conflict. Role-plays are essential for practicing what to say and do when a conflict arises – whether it is confrontation with a roommate, family member, a boss, an authority figure, or parole officer. In addition, participants learn how to present themselves in important situations such as mock housing and job interviews. Through active learning and participation, the people we work with have a chance to accomplish true, personal change in how they manage and handle their own lives.