Richard Ploski Wins Tom C. Cole Award - Nov. 28th, 2007

Richard Ploski wins Tom C. Cole Award for contributions to the recovery community in Yuma, Arizona.

The Yuma County Drug Court, Winning Edge Support Team, presented Mr. Richard Ploski, Administrator of The Living Center, with the Tom C. Cole Award for his contributions to the recovery community in Yuma, Arizona during 2007. The award, named after the Yuma County Superior Court judge who started the drug court in Yuma County, is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the community of persons in recovery in Yuma County.

As Administrator of The Living Center, Mr. Ploski has led the team of people who have implemented recovery support services developed using the Culturally Engaged Service Delivery (CESD) model. Developed by the Sonoran Research Group, this model emphasizes involving members of the community targeted for services in the development and provision of hands-on, collaborative activities designed to encourage people to choose lifestyles emphasizing wellness and personal satisfaction. At The Living Center, Mr. Ploski has implemented the CESD model as the basis for providing recovery support for women with addiction disorders, including methamphetamine addiction disorders, who have been involved with the criminal justice system.

A manual describing an early version of the CESD model appears on the Publications page of this site. A manuscript providing a description of the theoretical foundations of the model and how it has been applied by Mr. Ploski at The Living Center is currently being developed and will be available here by the end of December 2007.