1233 Shelburne Road Suite D4 South Burlington, VT 05403
[email protected] 12/27/12 Greetings, The following packet contains information from the initial development phase of Soteria-VT by Pathways Vermont, who has several staff contributing to its start-up. In this phase, we accomplished: Completion of initial development plan Researching the original model, replicas, and similar approaches, including a site visit to Soteria-Alaska Setting up Soteria-VT infrastructure within Pathways Vermont and launching a website Authoring promotional materials, creating a comprehensive presentation and workshop about Soteria (available online), and promoting Soteria-VT within Burlington, statewide, and at a nationwide conference Connecting and establishing relationships with various local stakeholders and potential partners, as well as families and peers Forming an Advisory Committee of diverse interests Preliminary exploration of possible site locations Organizing a Harm Reduction Approach to Psychiatric Drugs training The big developmental task ahead is finding and leasing a house and getting it licensed to operate. Then, of course: hiring staff, training them, and opening the doors. Many people have contributed their expertise so far to this project’s development, but I want to especially thank the Soteria-Alaska crew who generously shared their time, wisdom, and informational materials with me. And to Hilary Melton and Laura Sisson of Pathways, whose passion and dedication to seeing this project through is an inexhaustible source