Perception Programs, Inc.

Next Step Cottage : Residential

Work Release Treatment Program for Women

Next Step Cottage is a work release and substance abuse treatment program designed to help women re-enter the community after incarceration. There is a strong emphasis placed on increasing independence and responsibility in the community through employment. Additionally, individual and group therapy deal with aspects of a client's life that have led to incarceration, such as substance abuse, criminal thinking, relationship issues, and past traumatic experiences. Next Step/Cottage supplements treatment with twelve step recovery groups designed to provide prosocial and sober support.

Next Step Cottage Program Update 2011

Next Step Cottage served 55 women during the 2009-2010 fiscal year.  The average length of stay was 133 days and there was an average of 4 new referrals per month.  The balance of cultural diversity was as follows: 51% Caucasian, 39% African American, 10% Latino.  The Program had a successful Department of Correction standards audit.

Employment continues to be a central focus of the program, with 100% of the clients obtaining and maintaining jobs.  There was an increased emphasis placed on treatment, with the emergence of several new groups targeting criminal thinking, substance abuse, communication and trauma treatment.

A new Conference Room has opened up space for more dynamic groups and access to computers for the residents to complete resumes, cover letters and writing projects.  Several clients were able to obtain their GED’s this past year, with the support of EASTCONN. Clients contributed year-round to various volunteer activities and participated in activities in the recovery community and local churches.

Several charitable organizations (Altrusa, Soroptomist, Community Foundation of the Tri-County Area’s Women and Girls Fund), made cash donations allowing us to improve the Next Step Cottage Program in various ways.  Through their generosity, we were able to purchase a projector and screen for increased educational trainings for the women, provide transportation to and from work during winter months, and replace sofa and chair cushions in the living room, which has very nicely updated the living environment.

The Cottage House received a much-needed face lift. It is now truly a beautiful Victorian Lady.  Exterior siding was installed, the porch and fire escapes were painted as well as updating and activating the security system for the house.

The Next Step House had some rooms on the 1st floor painted and the back roof was replaced.