The Nuevo Amanecer (New Dawn) program works to prevent and reduce drug use/abuse and drug-related crime in the community through Mattie Rhodes Center's specialized bilingual and bicultural substance abuse program. Through MRC's holistic continuum of care, this program integrates violence prevention into its treatment methodology and wraparound resource services. This aligns with COMBAT's goal to assure effective treatment and rehabilitation for adult and juvenile substance abusers.

The program is geared toward, though not exclusively for,  Spanish-speaking, Latino individuals who benefit from a substance abuse program sensitive to their culture and language. The youth and adults servedd by this program have been exposed to high rates of poverty, trauma, violence and crime. Many are already involved in or at high risk for involvement with the justice system (Truancy Court, Department of Corrections, etc.). Additionally, due to factors stemming from poverty, immigration status, community violence and trauma, many of those served by this program have co-occurring disorders and treatment needs.

The curriculum utilized in the Nuevo Amanecer program draws from current evidence-based cognitive, behavioral and experiential treatment approaches by employing the use of informative education and instruction, written exercises, group process interaction, through role-plays and discussion,relaxation and visualization exercises, and group-oriented recreational therapy exercises. 

The 12-session program provides a comprehensive group and individual treatment and relapse prevention framework for use in outpatient or short-term and long-term residential settings.

The overarching goals for program participants are: 

• To obtain information and education about the drugs of abuse, treatment, and recovery.

• To learn skills that help participants deal with feelings and emotions.

• To learn information and skills about relapse education about the drugs of abuse, treatment, and recovery.

• To learn skills that help participants deal with feelings and emotions.

• To learn information and skills about relapse prevention.

• To openly share with others through interactive social conversations.

• To learn practical living skills from others and

• To openly confront when engaged in denial or other types of distorted thinking of behaviors.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.