Exciting Updates from

CLARE|MATRIX Training Institute

Hello Donna,

Welcome to Our Newsletter

This newsletter is intended to keep you informed about our ongoing efforts, new training opportunities, and innovative projects set to launch in 2025. We are dedicated to sharing our journey with you, ensuring that you stay connected and empowered in our mission.

Notable highlights of the Matrix Model include:

• Global utilization in countries such as South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Spain, Canada, and more.
• Program Certification to promote adherence to the highest standards of care.
• Key Supervisors to ensure the integrity of program implementation.
• Designation as the Gold Standard for substance use disorder treatment.
• Integration of peer support in group therapy.
• Family education components to support recovery within a wider social context.

Matrix Model: History and Global Recognition

Announcing the New Matrix Model Peer Training



We are excited to introduce our new Matrix Model Peer Training, specifically designed for Peers, Peer Specialists, Recovery Coaches, Case Managers, and Matrix Program graduates. Since its inception, the Matrix Model has always incorporated individuals who have completed or are nearing completion of the program to share their recovery journey and successes. We deeply value the role of those with lived experience, serving as co-leaders and mentors in Matrix groups.

Participants in the Matrix program benefit not only from the clinical expertise of professionals but also from Peers who provide invaluable lived experiences. Peers share how they have applied Matrix skills and other strategies in their own recovery, fostering a supportive and relatable environment.

The Matrix Peer Training equips Peers with additional skills to co-lead groups, enhance engagement, and provide more effective support for individuals and families in the recovery process. This training is available in two formats: in-person at your organization or through our virtual training sessions.

Our next Open Virtual Matrix Peer Training will take place on December 4th & 5th. You can register through our website or reach out to schedule an in-person session at your organization.

Note: These trainings tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. Participants will also earn CE hours toward certification.

CONFERENCES



I was honored to speak at the 2024 Certified Peer Specialist Workforce Conference at the Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort in Stone Mountain, Ga. It was wonderful being in my home state seeing old colleagues and meeting new ones. 

Georgia just recently celebrated the 25^th Anniversary of Peer Support and where the Peer Movement was founded, It was fabulous being part of the celebration. 

Catacamas, Olancho, Honduras

Certified Site

This certification can be a powerful tool to demonstrate to funding sources that you meet the standards of the Matrix program. It can also be leveraged for marketing purposes and to distinguish your organization from others in your region.

Many of our newly certified sites are the first in their community, city, state, or even country. Matrix Program Certification not only ensures the integrity and quality of treatment but also opens up new marketing opportunities, helping programs stand out in competitive landscapes.

We take great pride in our recently certified sites, which are highlighted on our website.

ADDITIONAL TRAININGS

We are excited to announce a growing selection of new training topics, with more to come soon. These trainings are based on the most requested topics from organizations and individuals. Our goal is to expand beyond Matrix Model training and establish ourselves as a comprehensive training institute, offering a wide variety of topics to enhance clinical skills across all levels of education and care.

These trainings are available both in-person and virtually. Starting in 2025, we will introduce new topics every other month, similar to our current Matrix offerings. All trainings provide CE hours for certification and recertification.

Organizations can also schedule these additional trainings directly with us.

International Training Team



The Clare/Matrix Training Institute is proud to work with clinicians who are recognized both nationally and internationally for their expertise. These professionals are dedicated to sharing their clinical skills and experiences on the Matrix Model and a wide variety of other topics. Their passion for helping others is inspiring, and each trainer brings their own unique specialties to our programs.

In addition to delivering Matrix Model trainings, our team will now be leading many of our new training offerings. With the introduction of our Peer Matrix Training, we are also expanding our team to include individuals with lived experience, such as Matrix graduates, to co-facilitate these sessions.

I am incredibly proud of the team we have built and confident that you will find their expertise, experience, and passion invaluable as you continue to grow your skills and knowledge with us.

New Website Design and Exciting Updates for 2025

We are excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website, offering a more comprehensive view of all our training options. You can now explore our full range of trainings, including virtual sessions held every other month, and easily connect with us to schedule in-person trainings tailored to your organization’s specific needs. We love collaborating with organizations to customize the Matrix Model and other trainings to best fit your goals.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting projects planned for 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements!

Outstanding Matrix Programs



We are honored to work with and train numerous exceptional programs around the world. In each newsletter, we will highlight programs that have excelled in implementing the Matrix Model and gained global recognition for their impactful work. We are excited to share some of these outstanding programs and their success stories with you.

Programs Utilizing the Matrix Model for Criminal Justice

Lancaster County Adult Drug Court: A Model of Excellence

The Lancaster County Adult Drug Court in Lincoln, Nebraska, was trained in the Matrix Model for Criminal Justice and has developed an outstanding program. This program has earned a place on the prestigious list of National Mentor Treatment Courts, recognized by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Mentor Courts are exemplary treatment courts selected for a three-year term to serve as model programs, helping to guide and support new and developing court programs. Lancaster County joins just nine other courts nationwide in receiving this esteemed distinction.

We are honored that the Matrix Model for Criminal Justice plays a key role in their programming, and we are incredibly proud of their success.

Bartholomew County Jail Treatment Program: BART (Begin, Accept, Reveal, and Transform)



The Bartholomew County Jail Treatment Program, known as BART (Begin, Accept, Reveal, and Transform), utilizes the Matrix Model for Criminal Justice. This comprehensive program runs for an average of 14.5 weeks and includes assessment, screening, classification, admission, and treatment planning. Participants receive over 400 hours of group and individual treatment.

Recent graduates of the program were recognized for their achievements, sharing powerful reflections on their experiences:

• “In the beginning, I thought I was just going to sit here and do my time – but God saw fit to put the BART Treatment Program in my life. It showed me things I didn’t realize. With the tools I’ve learned, I can now move on with my life,” shared Jennifer, a program graduate.
• “It’s life-changing. I feel like it’s my calling to help others and steer them towards recovery by leading by example. That’s what this program did for me,” said Jeremy, another graduate.

After three years, the program has reported an impressive recidivism rate of only 0.15—an extraordinary achievement. We are proud that the Matrix Model for Criminal Justice is part of this highly successful program.

Success Story: Samuel, Graduate of a South African Youth Care Center

“I was addicted to drugs for a long time and lost everything that mattered—my home, material possessions, friends, and family. But worst of all, I lost my self-respect. Drugs took away everything important in my life.

After completing the program, I received a certificate with honors and became the first male student to attend that program at the youth development center. I was incredibly proud of my achievements, but finishing the program sparked even bigger hopes and dreams for my future.

I decided to further my education and work towards becoming a professor. To pursue this goal, I enrolled in adult continuing education to upgrade some high school credits needed for entry into the youth development program. I completed my academic upgrading with a cumulative average of 90.25%! I’m ecstatic about what I’ve achieved.

Throughout this journey, I had the love and support of Mrs. Thelma, the social worker running the program. Today, I’m free and living life to the fullest. My goal now is to inspire young people about the dangers of drugs. The Matrix Program gave me my life back!”

IRACS Jail Programs: State of Indiana

The Integrated Reentry and Correctional Support (IRACS) program employs an adaptive approach to reentry, featuring a dedicated team of certified and trained peer-support professionals who work alongside correctional and criminal justice staff every day. These peers provide hope, essential resources, and strengthen collaboration, serving as recovery partners for everyone upon arrival at the jail.

From the earliest moments of incarceration through the crucial first steps of reentry, our teams are helping to rethink how we support individuals throughout their journey, regardless of where their path may lead. Currently, the program is piloting in five jails, with plans to expand to additional jails in the State of Indiana.

IRACS programs incorporate the Matrix Model for Criminal Justice across all initiatives. We have collaborated with IRACS for several years, and their efforts have led to remarkable improvements in jail programs. We look forward to even greater successes in the future.

On behalf of the Clare|Matrix Training Institute and our international team of trainers we want to thank all of our providers, organizations and stakeholders for your continued support and interest for all of our Matrix Model products and all of our trainings. We are extremely grateful to be able to have an impact on treatment and improving systems of care globally.  

This edition of our newsletter has a criminal justice focus. Our next edition will contain information and successes on our adult model. If you would like to have your program recognized or share your success stories in our newsletter or website, please contact me and would love to share your successes with others. Don’t forget to follow me on Linked In to keep up with all of our ongoing activities.



Over the years we have met so many incredible individuals providing services and those using the skills we teach to move forward and live wonderful productive lives and sharing their recovery journey.  We do not take that responsibility lightly and will continue to improve what we do, update our materials, ensure they are always relevant and expand our platform on a global scale.  

Thank you all for the incredible work you do improving the lives of those in need! 

In warm regards,

Donna