We've moved (and we have a new phone number)! Now on 41st Avenue in Capitola
Simply Your Best awarded "Best Innovative Program" by Domestic Violence Commission
Referring Parties can now access client reports online
Classes available in Capitola, Watsonville and Felton
Corporate/Organization services now offered
The class experience
Group atmosphere
Small group sessions typically have 6-10 people in attendance. We've found the group setting to be a perfect format for practicing the skills covered in a safe and supportive atmosphere. In addition, clients tell us that they learn a great deal from others in the group and it helps them to put their own situation in perspective by hearing others' experiences. Participation in our educational programs is dependent upon upholding and maintaining confidentiality. Clients with Referring Parties sign a confidentiality waiver releasing information to their Referring Parties. Classes are educational in nature and are not counseling, therapy or support groups. Our classes focus on life skill development building awareness around specific issues that help the client to improve their current situation.
Schedule
Most classes are held in two-hour sessions, once a week, and are generally held in the evenings between Sunday and Thursday. (Classes will occasionally break for holidays, but this should not be assumed.) The classes use open enrollment, so you can start a class at any time and still obtain all of the subject matter.
Attendance
Attendance is a key indicator of our client's commitment to improve their behavior, and is essential to successful completion of a class. Most often there is a small number of acceptable absenses (e.g. for a 52-week program, normally about 5), to allow for unforeseen events throughout the duration of the course. All absences incur the regular class charge, even if a client is unable to attend for reasons outside of their control.
Cost
Classes are billed according to a "sliding fee scale", where the total charge for each class depends on the client's income and reasonable living expenses. Class fees for small group classes range between $25 - $35 per session, but may be lowered to $20 per session if you can show that you receive state or federal assistance. In addition, there is a one-time enrollment fee ranging between $75 - $125, depending on income, reasonable living expenses and the length of the program.
Enrollment
Prior to attending your first class, you need to attend an enrollment session. We ask you a number of questions about what brought you to Simply Your Best, and try to use that information to tailor the course to meet your needs. This information is also used to show signs of your progress throughout the course. It is a fairly intensive session and takes 60 to 90 minutes. Normally you will leave the session with proof of enrollment, which is also faxed to referring parties (if applicable).
It is very important that you remember the following points regarding the enrollment session:
- Bring the following materials to your enrollment session:
- Proof of Identity (e.g. driver's license)
- Proof of Income (or lack of income) for sliding fee scale
- Court, probation or police paperwork, if applicable
- Initial payment of $100 in cash, check or money order
- Make certain you know the Location of your enrollment session, and allow time for traffic and parking.
- Allow yourself 90 minutes for the session. It may finish earlier, but you should be prepared.
- If you fail to show up at your enrollment session on time, cancel within 24 hours of your appointed time, or fail to bring all of the required materials to your session, you may be charged a $25 rescheduling fee. This is not intended as a punishment but purely to cover our costs, and we strive to avoid it by reminding clients the day before the session. However, it is your responsibility to make sure everything is in order for your session.
Please Contact Us for an enrollment session or to ask about any current specials.
Completion
Clients complete our course by successfully attending all sessions, participating in class discussions, completing homework and paying class fees in full. In rare cases, additional classes may be recommended or even required if it is determined that the client has not made significant progress towards learning or using the skills presented in the class. Upon completion, a report may be sent to the referring agency to indicate that the client has fulfilled their obligation.
Reporting
If a client is required to take a class because of a court order, reports will be sent to the referring agency. These reports contain information about attendance, client balance and participation, and can be used to demonstrate significant progress towards preventing violence or improving behavior. These reports can be used mid-way through a class, so even if a client is unable to complete a program within a time frame, they may still be able to show that they have made progress and in many cases this is helpful.