WHAT COSTS CAN THE VP EXPECT TO INCUR?
TRAVEL EXPENSES. VPs are responsible for their transportation costs to Dallas/Fort Worth, although some airfare costs
may be reimbursed based on the availability of outside funding sources. All travel within the Dallas-Fort Worth area is arranged
for the VPs, so car rental isn’t required.
HOUSING. Whenever possible, VPs stay in the homes of professionals
associated with the Institute. These professionals include members of the Reunion
Institute Advisory Committee, the Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers staff, and area university faculty. At other
times, especially when the VP is traveling with a spouse or partner, local university housing is a better option. There are
no housing costs for the VP within the time limits of the program visit.
MEALS. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided for VPs. The morning
and evening meals are usually provided by host Institute professionals in their homes, with lunch provided at the Institute.
There are no food costs for VPs during their program stay at the Institute; however, VPs are responsible for any alcohol expenses.
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WHAT IS THE REUNION INSTITUTE?
The Reunion Institute, a program of Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A., was formed to join
together diverse people involved in the helping and healing arts for training and growth. The Institute hosts and promotes ongoing
group learning on such topics as brief therapy, therapeutic stories, spirituality, and mentoring. In addition, Reunion sponsors
regular learning events and workshops that provide quality continuing education for helping professionals in North Texas. Dr.
Delane Kinney heads up the Reunion Institute as its Associate Executive Director, and Alicia
Hernandez serves as its Administrative Coordinator.
For more information about the Reunion Institute and its programming,
click here.
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WHAT IS SALESMANSHIP CLUB YOUTH AND FAMILY CENTERS?
Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers, Inc., consists of three programs: the Jonsson Community School
(a laboratory school for children age 3 through grade 6); Research and Evaluation; and
Outpatient Family Therapy (OPFT).
The Centers’ primary facility is located in North Oak Cliff, a predominantly
Hispanic, inner-city neighborhood just south of downtown Dallas.
FAMILY THERAPY PHILOSOPHY. OPFT’s central concern is an abiding
respect for the client and the family while providing effective therapeutic services. Our therapists collaborate respectfully
with clients to help them find solutions to problems, to develop more useful ways of interacting, and to enhance the unique
strengths of each family. In 2002, OPFT therapists assisted over 2,500 people. A testimony to our effectiveness: an overwhelming
number of our clients (91-95%) report positive change resulting from our services, and 99% report a high level of satisfaction
with the services they receive.
STAFF AND TRAINING. The OPFT staff of 11 family therapists, led
by Director of Psychological Services Dr. Delane Kinney, come from a wide variety
of backgrounds, including marriage and family therapy, psychology, and social work. The most prominent models guiding our practices
are postmodern, including narrative, solution-focused, and collaborative language systems. The staff is known throughout Texas
and the United States for its clinical innovation and collaborative ventures and has been a continuous partner in community
training and education since 1979. Each year, a postdoctoral psychologist, three psychology interns and several practicum students
join the staff, carrying clinical caseloads and committing to intense training in postmodern therapies.
AGENCY FUNDING. The agency’s primary source of funding is the
Salesmanship Club of Dallas, a charitable organization started in the 1920s to serve underprivileged
children and their families. The Club’s primary means of raising funds is the annual Byron Nelson Golf Classic, one of the top
golf tournaments on the PGA (men’s) schedule. This financial commitment, along with funding from the United Way and other private
sources supports a wide variety of programs for residents of the Dallas area.
CLIENT POPULATION. SCYFC serves a large population of children and
families who fall below the federal poverty line. Seventy-two percent of the Jonsson Community School students meet the guidelines
for the federal free lunch program. In addition, minority groups receive a large percentage of SCYFC’s services. Ninety-seven
percent of the Jonsson School student body is Hispanic, and over half of the clients seen in OPFT are Hispanic, African-American,
or Native American. OPFT has five bilingual, Spanish-speaking family therapists on staff, opening many opportunities to provide
therapy to immigrant and first-generation families from Central and South America who reside in the Dallas area.
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HOW DOES ONE APPLY FOR THE VP PROGRAM?
To apply, click here to complete a request form. All requests will be reviewed
within 60 days.
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