Addiction Recovery Program
COURAGE
The #1 Addiction Recovery Program in the State of Texas (TODAY Foundation, 2007)
The Courage Program was founded in 2003 as a means to reach those High School students who struggle with the challenges of returning to the same school environment they attended prior to substance abuse or other related treatment. It is a unique classroom within Winfree Academy Charter Schools that offers a safe, supportive environment for students in recovery or struggling with other issues such as self-harm, suicidal ideations, PTSD, eating disorders, and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The program offers students the opportunity to attend 12-Step meetings, substance abuse education classes, and other supportive groups that teach coping and communication skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, and life skills such as time management, goal-setting, and organizational skills. Families are also involved through multi-family education groups as scheduled.
Enrollment in the Courage Program is completely free and because it is a program within Winfree Academy Charter Schools, it is available to any student living in Texas. In fact, it is one of the only programs of its kind in Texas. Once enrolled in the Courage Program, students are expected to commit to the guidelines of the program and maintain a lifestyle committed to positive change. Enrolled students must meet the following requirements:
- Provide a clean urinalysis
- Attend all support groups
- Maintain 90% overall attendance
- Maintain a commitment to academic success
- Parents must be committed to be involved in their students’ overall success
Students in the program are also subject to random drug testing. The student’s parents and family are expected to attend the multi-family education groups that are held as scheduled as a means of involvement and support of the student’s recovery.
Other aspects of the program include individualized learning, school recovery activities, opportunities for students to gain community service hours, receive individualized attention, and academic guidance. Courage Program students attend school from 7:50 am-1 pm, Monday through Thursday and 7:50 am until 12:00 pm on Friday.
The Courage Program is a member of the Association of Recovery Schools, and in 2007 was recognized as the #1 Anti-Drug Program in the State of Texas by the TODAY Foundation. Since its opening, the Courage Program has expanded from one campus to three and has served over 400 students. The future of the Courage Program includes continued growth and increased community outreach, as well as an opportunity to be a part of all the Winfree Academy Charter School campus events.
The Courage Program is available at our Grand Prairie, North Richland Hills and Richardson campuses.