Mid-Atlantic Thresholds
P.O. Box  114, Thornton, PA 19373

 Dear Sir/Madam:

Thank you for your inquiry about the THRESHOLDS program.  Mid-Atlantic THRESHOLDS is an umbrella organization of autonomous chapters that function in local communities to teach a life skill to inmates.  The decision-making and problem-solving skills are taught in a six-step model by volunteers who teach individual inmates who volunteer to take the program.

• Training of leadership in the decisional model and materials for teaching
• Teams from THRESHOLDS chapters to train new volunteers
• Current materials which are updated on an “as needed” basis
• Interaction with other chapters in our geographic area through teacher exchanges, leadership sharing, and local representation on the Mid-Atlantic THRESHOLDS Board

We recommend the following as a basis to begin a new program in your facility:

• Written permission and approval by the warden and/or the Prison Board
• A core group of six (minimum) volunteers who are committed to leadership roles as well as teaching
• A small, but adequate, treasury to cover such needs as basic materials, photocopying, and other incidentals to cover a one year period
• Because it takes three to five years to become a well-established program, leadership needs to be committed for that time frame in the following areas:

•  Recruitment of volunteers in the community
• Training of new volunteers
• Support of teaching volunteers
• Teaching inmates in both individual and group settings
• Guiding the organization as it becomes established

Mid-Atlantic THRESHOLDS looks forward to working with you.  Our groups have been active in this endeavor for the past 35 years.  Our proven program enhances the quality of life for THRESHOLDS volunteers and inmates, and ultimately, the community to which they will return.  You may view the terms of agreement we developed to guide our cooperation with other organizations seeking to begin a new program.

To speak to someone further or to arrange for a meeting with representatives of our organization, please contact Jackie at 610.459-9384 Fran@thresholdsdelco.org .

Click for a printable version of this letter and for the terms of agreement.

 Mid-Atlantic Thresholds

Terms of Agreement

For the establishment of new Thresholds Programs.

Authorization

   The establishment of a new program must be authorized by a majority vote of the Board of Mid-Atlantic Thresholds. To use the name Thresholds, the program must be taught in a correctional institution.

Training

   Teachers will be trained by members of Mid-Atlantic Thresholds chapters. The Thresholds Volunteer Training Manual will be used as the basis for this training.

Curriculum

   The six steps, principles and ethics, art-forming, and other essential components, will form the core of the Thresholds program. The Guide to Decision Making will be used with clients when teaching the program.

Teachers

   Traditionally Thresholds teachers have been volunteers. However, in some instances, a combination of staff and volunteers may teach the program if approved by Mid-Atlantic Thresholds. It is recommended that the number of staff should not exceed the number of volunteers.

Methodology

   A combination of Micro (one-on-one) and Macro (group) sessions is suggested. Micro sessions should be one teacher for each client if possible, but not more than three clients per teacher. Macro classes should not total more than fifteen clients.

Oversight

   Initially, representatives of the new organization will meet with Mid-Atlantic Thresholds every six months for review and suggestions.

Remuneration

   A non-profit organization will reimburse Mid-Atlantic Thresholds for expenses. A for-profit organization will reimburse based on the percentage Thresholds represents of the total program. The fee may be reviewed yearly.

Publicity

 Mid-Atlantic Thresholds retains the right to publicize the program within established guidelines, for the purpose of public relations, recruiting, and fundraising.