ABH Training
Assisi Bridge House (ABH) recently received extensive consultative services provided by the Network for
the Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx). NIATx is a national partnership between the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and National Institute on Drug Abuse and
has provided ABH with consultation, professional development, technical assistance, training, and support.
Through the partnership between ABH and NIATx, initiated as a result of funding provided by an anonymous
funder, ABH staff will create a culture of process improvement, use existing resources to improve services,
learn innovative strategies, and implement organizational changes in order to positively impact program outcomes.
Additionally, numerous other staff development activities have been undertaken, including training for the Catholic Social Services and Assisi Bridge House governing boards, conference attendance by staff, and improved working conditions (office renovations, equipment/furniture).
ABH staff further conducted research on available treatment materials, including those recommended by NIATx.
This research resulted in obtaining free treatment materials from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health
Services Administration) and purchasing educational materials for the residents.
The new funding also allowed Assisi Bridge House to purchase the AccuCare System which provides a
fully-integrated clinical-management- research system. This allows ABH staff to conduct clinical assessments,
develop treatment plans, document progress notes, engage in data collection and evaluation, and generate reports efficiently through one program.
Through separate funding from the State of Louisiana, under a special appropriation managed by former Rep.
Carla Dartez and Rep. Jack Smith and supported by the entire local legislative delegation, the Assisi Bridge
House was able to refurbish the residents' dormitory, replace the sewer treatment plant and construct a pavilion
on the grounds to host community gatherings and family days.
Pictured above during a NIATx consultation at the newly refurbished Assisi Bridge House are (l-r):
Robert Gorman, Executive Director, Catholic Social Services; Kevin Lewis, NIATx Change Leader consultant;
Lydia Beauvais, Assisi Bridge House Office Manager; Billy Degeyter, ABH Counselor in Training;
Monique Vicknair, ABH Counselor and Chrissy Dewerff, NIATx Change Leader consultant.