Dismas Charities Expands Digital Health Services
After a successful pilot program, Dismas Charities is excited to announce the expansion of the Atlas digital behavioral health platform to 40 sites nationwide. This innovative platform is designed to provide individualized, digital-first programming specifically tailored for justice-involved individuals.
About the Atlas Digital Behavioral Health Platform
Developed by The Change Companies, the Atlas platform leverages evidence-based practices through its renowned method known as Interactive Journaling. This practice encourages positive behavioral changes via psychoeducation, goal-setting, reflective questions, and expressive writing. Research highlights the effectiveness of Interactive Journaling in enhancing housing stability, employment opportunities post-release, and substance use recovery, all while reducing recidivism rates.
Positive Outcomes from Initial Pilot Program
During the initial 90-day pilot, Dismas Charities participants engaged in nearly 500 hours of activity across 1,200 sessions using the Atlas platform. Notably, 80% of participants who activated their accounts maintained engagement with self-guided content focused on essential topics such as mental health support, anger management, medication management, and personal goal-setting, which are crucial for individuals reintegrating into society.
Empowering Individuals Through Technology
Nico Gimenez, Co-CEO of The Change Companies, expressed, "We believe in empowering individuals to initiate their own changes. This partnership illustrates how effective evidence-based interventions combine seamlessly with smart digital tools. Atlas offers a flexible, clinically viable method for providers to align the right interventions based on individual needs."
Feedback and Impact from Participants
The response from participants post-pilot has been overwhelmingly favorable. Surveys indicated that nearly 80% felt that the Atlas platform facilitated deeper self-understanding, which is vital for fostering meaningful and enduring behavioral changes.
Ellen Donnarumma, President and CEO of Dismas Charities, emphasized the potential of technology when it complements human connections, which are fundamental in their work. "Atlas allows us to deliver personalized programming at scale, tailored to individual needs."
Tailored Content and Flexibility for Clients
Dismas Charities utilizes risk-need assessments during program intake, allowing them to align individuals with relevant content on the Atlas platform. For instance, a participant displaying heightened cognitive-behavioral needs may receive specific journaling materials on responsible thinking paired with videos and podcasts focusing on rational decision-making.
Enhanced Staff Capabilities with Atlas
Faith Good, Chief Operating Officer at Dismas Charities, pointed out how the Atlas platform has strengthened their staff's effectiveness in client engagement. "Atlas' flexibility allows us to incorporate it seamlessly into our daily operations while respecting the unique needs of every individual."
About The Change Companies
The Change Companies is recognized for its development of Interactive Journaling, an evidence-based practice acknowledged by SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. With over 35 years of experience, the organization has significantly contributed to behavior change across various fields, including addiction treatment and community support. The Atlas digital platform enhances the availability of these vital resources to justice-involved populations, ensuring engaging and personalized programming.
About Dismas Charities
Dismas Charities operates numerous residential and non-residential reentry programs throughout the U.S. Committed to the motto of "Healing the Human Spirit," Dismas focuses on providing essential services that foster accountability, lower recidivism rates, and promote successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Atlas digital behavioral health platform?
The Atlas platform is a digital solution developed by The Change Companies to offer individualized programming for those involved in the justice system, focusing on behavioral health improvements.
How has Dismas Charities measured the success of its programs?
Dismas Charities monitors participant engagement and feedback through surveys, noting significant positive responses regarding self-discovery and personal development.
What types of content are available through Atlas?
Atlas offers resources on various topics, including mental health, anger management, and recovery strategies, designed to assist individuals in their journey to reintegrate into society.
Who can benefit from the services provided by Dismas Charities?
The services are aimed at justice-involved individuals seeking support for successful reintegration, helping them stabilize their lives post-release.
How does technology facilitate the work of Dismas Charities staff?
Technology like the Atlas platform enhances staff capabilities by providing them with tools to personalize programming and address each participant's unique needs effectively.
