National Masonic Foundation for Children
Established in 1986, the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program (MMSAP, now Student Assistance Program, SAP) is an intensive workshop for educators to learn how to identify, intervene with, and create appropriate referrals for students that may be at risk for substance abuse, depression, suicide, or violence. This workshop was designed for school personnel (K-12) - and anyone who comes in contact with students. The program trains a Core Team of five to eight educators from a school building in the details of how to intervene early and effectively with students that display patterns of behaviors that threaten their personal and educational success.
The SAP is a research-based and effective response to the negative behaviors that interfere with the success of children and their school communities. SAP involves experiential learning, practical forms, user-friendly checklists and action plan templates. Additionally, group discussions and presentations focus on such subjects as: chemical dependency, depression and suicide, conflict, anger and violence, communication skills and intervention, social/emotional behavioral challenges, family dynamics, life skills development and group process. This model of prevention and intervention has proven to be a vital tool in creating safe learning environments and reducing violence, abuse, addiction and self-harming behavior. This program gives educators the tools to help each student build a sense of capability and significance. Schools that have successfully implemented and maintained a SAP Core Team have:
• Increased Attendance
• Improved Academics
• Increased Graduation Rates
• Decreased Behavioral Problems
Through the support of Freemasons throughout the United States and Canada, the SAP has been held locally since 1985 and welcomed more than 50,000 teachers, administrators and counselors. Attendees leave the SAP with renewed enthusiasm and the guidelines for developing successful Core Teams within their own schools. This training is conducted by Newman/Stecher International, education consultants and the sole provider of the Student Assistance Program training.