Small Goals

A client in group was asked about his goals, where he saw himself a year from now.

                “Well,” he replied, “I’d like to have my own apartment or house. And a job so I could support myself.”

                “That’s not much of a goal,” a group member pointed out.  Then he explained that people who don’t even know our language regularly come here - with only the clothes on their backs - and achieve those things within a matter of months.

Another client pointed out that all kinds of people in Phoenix have jobs and homes. However, this client viewed this as something he’d liked to accomplish, a worthy goal.

His limited ambition typifies the lack of self worth of some clients. They might have spent years in jail or prison or living on the streets.  They’ve never accomplished much in their adult life except to stay drunk or high and to get into trouble. Being responsible is a challenge.

Our goal at TLC is to help them take small steps, to feel good about going to work each day. We teach them to take care of themselves and their rooms.  We show them how to communicate with others and deal with their anger.

We try to help clients like this man rejoin the human race. We want them to raise their sights. I believe they deserve a life beyond the bare minimum.