Graduates and repeating Participants are regularly asked for feedback on SAS Programs on an informal basis. Often, the feedback is initiated by the Participants themselves. The following comments are reasons why Participants feel that SAS works for them and what sets SAS apart from other Programs they have experienced.
The people at SAS see success in individuals who are humble enough to try again. They feel each time you try, you learn something new. In the past, I have felt written off by people and programs for not making it, or that the jury is out until you've "made" it for a very long time. Sometimes that definition of success feels impossible to achieve when you don't know how to make it, have not seen it done, or don't yet believe that you can make it.
SAS is long-term. Often, other similar programs can only offer one piece of the system needed for creation of a healthy life, and it is sometimes not long enough to build relationships or to be known deeply enough that strong accountability and support are achieved.
Having job training on site. You don't get dropped here. When day program ended, I expected to be out on my own and was scared of not being ready. The job training gave me the confidence to practice what I learned in day program, and then I was ready to be on my own. I never had a legitimate job before and didn't know I had the skills to get one. Now because of SAS job training I have something to put on my resume, and I also got practice doing job interviews. One more really important thing is, I felt dignity when I trained in a real business at SAS - I gave back to the place that helped me, versus feeling like I would be labeled a "Participant" forever.
