The Jude Thaddeus Program - Chapter 15

Continuing Education

In the preceding text we have covered a lot of personal ground. We have dealt with nearly every aspect of life. For some, the amount of information and personal reflection is intense, and they may feel more time is needed to digest the information, and further refine their new life plan.

The severity of each guest’s personal problems varies. Based on our extensive experience helping people to change their lives we know the majority will find the life they are seeking after the six week JTP experience. But we know that some (approximately 10%) will need additional help or education.  The JTP CE Program can benefit everyone who enrolls.

The Jude Thaddeus Program has always had CE, and throughout the years from 1989 to the present we have learned what is effective and what is not effective. First and foremost, we encourage anyone who desires more education to enroll.  If your motive is to avoid going home to face your past mistakes, or if you want to avoid the responsibility of building your new goal oriented future, then these are poor reasons to enroll.

Fear of returning home is understandable and CE may be a good option if the basis for a guest’s fear is that they do not feel they have a solid understanding of the JTP. If a guest needs vocational training, or to gain a better understanding of the solutions to their current life struggles, or they want to look into college preparation, (or possibly, GED preparation) then CE is a good option. However, if a person has fears, but has no intentions of tackling these problems while in the CE then this is a different situation. These folks are enrolling to escape from responsibility.

There is a misguided perception fearful guests often hold. Some guests are amazed by the program, the staff, and the experience of freeing themselves from substance abuse. They wrongly attribute that good feeling they have gained with being at the retreat house.  This is because the retreat house might be the first safe and emotionally warm place they have known in many years. They assume everywhere else is not going to be as fun, hospitable or safe.

Many of our guests lived in a domestic culture where parents, spouses and friends have catered to their needs and wants. In both JTP and CE, you are taught to grow past this needy state and become the master of your own universe. Once in CE the retreat house staff will not cater to your every want, but will teach you further methods to find your own interests and goals. Then you will begin to actually participate in fulfilling them while in the program.

As someone who attended CE at 19 years of age, it had a very direct and positive effect on my life. I enrolled in college, received my degree with highest honors (I should note that I struggled to graduate from high school.) I was promoted in every job I have had since completing CE and graduated from college. I have a wonderful marriage and family, and I absolutely love my career. All of this was made possible by the lessons learned and the direct vocational instruction given in both JTP and CE.  I was enthusiastic and willing to learn. I got out of it what I put into it. I was not there to avoid life, but to courageously grab it by the horns and build my new life.

You have allowed yourself to dream again through the goal-setting process. You know without dreams and aspirations life can seem pointless. You will now embrace a proactive lifestyle by continuously working towards and re-evaluating your goals. You have learned that ultimately, if all the daily and long term goals are completed, and they fulfill your new self-images, you have now matured and amended yourself. This allows you to repair, rebuild or strengthen your relationships with others on their terms, furthering your belief in yourself and good-will towards all of humanity. You, then, will experience a life of sheer joy and fulfillment.