Final thoughts on San Fran and Delancey

We’re coming towards the end of our week and the more people we meet, the more inspirational stories we hear. This was also the case during my visit to their Life Learning Academy (LLA) on Treasure Island. The Academy is non residential school engaging young people who have also hit rock bottom. I was fascinated how the children attending the LLA ran by the same rules and principles of Delancey Street. They were all friendly, supportive of one another and shared the same beliefs that thinking and acting positively brings about positive change. Another fascinating point was its leader/ principal Terri. Terri was a former Delancey street resident and one of their many success stories. Throughout the visit and tour,led by students, it was clear the impact Terri and the LLA has had on many young lives including some of the staff at the school who are former LLA graduates.

Whilst I spent time in the LLA, Keith spent time within the moving company which like all other models, is run by residents. More experienced residents,senior managers etc train new intake. They start at the bottom and work their way up within the company and at each step can receive additional privileges. The company is the largest and most successful of its kind within California and have only ever promoted themselves through word of mouth!! On discussing Keith’s experience with the company it's apparent that all staff work very well together, all have a full understanding of each and every job role and operate in a disciplined environment. The discipline has developed purely by peer pressure and to act appropriately at all times encouraging an organic change in behaviour.   

 Another highlight for us was spending the evening with a group of 50 new residents on intake (induction programme). When a resident is new to the programme he or she spends time on maintenance and their role for approx three months includes clearing up the grounds, dining hall, food preparation etc. We were asked to come back and tell the residents our stories and why we were there. So we did, we took the stage within their cinema!! and delivered a two hour motivational talk. Questions were fired at us but it was an incredible experience for us and hopefully them. We had great feedback and thanks from the evening. Personally, one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever had.

With our experience shortly coming to an end we are both feeling inspired, exhausted and excited about our replication models on our return to the UK. We have had the best experience and we thank everybody that has made it possible and look forwards to working with them all in the future.

Posted: 15.07.10 16:14