Internship Reference Guide

Born in 1914, Richard (Dick) Caron's turbulent youth in Chicago was defined by alcohol-fueled escapades, marked by fights, job losses, and failed schooling. Despite a stint with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, his struggles with

alcohol persisted, leading to personal and professional setbacks upon his return to civilian life. Introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), he initially struggled to embrace its principles but eventually found solace in its fellowship after multiple relapses and treatment facility stays.

Finally achieving sobriety on April 23, 1950, Dick's journey didn't end there, as he grappled with gambling addiction in the early months of recovery. With the support of AA, he overcame this obstacle and dedicated himself to aiding others in their recovery journeys. Seven years later, the Chit-Chat Foundation was established, laying the foundation for what would become Caron Treatment Centers. Dick's wife, Catherine, played a pivotal role in the development of family programming, drawing from her own experiences to provide support and education to patients and their families, a legacy that continues to thrive within Caron's treatment model today. Through Dick Caron's transformation from an alcoholic to an inspirational figure, his legacy lives on in the thousands whose lives have been forever changed by Caron's transformative programs, from the scenic Pennsylvania campus to the facilities in Florida.

MISSION: Recovery for Life
We are dedicated to guiding individuals on a journey towards lasting sobriety and wellness. With a steadfast commitment to evidence-based treatment, compassionate care, and holistic support, we empower our clients to reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction. Our comprehensive programs, tailored to meet individual needs, foster resilience, healing, and sustainable recovery. Through education, therapy, and ongoing support, we instill hope and provide the tools necessary for a fulfilling life beyond addiction. At Caron, we believe in the transformative power of recovery, guiding each person towards a brighter, healthier future that extends far beyond treatment, ensuring that every individual can thrive in life-long sobriety.

VISION: Recovery is not only possible; it’s probable.
Caron envisions a world where recovery isn't just a distant hope, but an achievable reality for all. With unwavering determination, Caron believes that the path to healing is not only feasible but highly probable with the right support, resources, and mindset. Every individual grappling with challenges deserves the opportunity to reclaim their lives and thrive. Through advocacy, compassion, and action, Caron strives to spread this empowering message, igniting a beacon of hope for those navigating their journey towards recovery. In Caron's vision, resilience triumphs over adversity, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow shines brightly for all who dare to believe.

OUR VALUES

• Compassion & Empathy - We will honor, without judgment, each patient and family and each other.
• Dedication & Resilience - We do what it takes and are committed to excellence. We persevere for the benefit of all.
• Unity - We are an inclusive community working towards a common purpose.
• Integrity - We live our truth. Our actions match our words.
• Gratitude & Generosity - Our spirit of giving comes from our sense of gratitude.
  

CARON’S CULTURE
Caron is a non-profit organization and 501 (c) (3) dedicated to fostering hope and healing in individuals grappling with addiction and mental health challenges. Committed to serving the community, Caron operates with a
mission-driven approach, prioritizing accessibility to quality care over financial
gain. Through philanthropic endeavors and partnerships, Caron ensures that its life-changing services remain accessible to those in need, regardless of their financial circumstances. As a non-profit, Caron relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to sustain its vital programs, embodying a spirit of compassion and altruism in its mission to transform lives.

At Caron, a culture of trauma-informed and resilience care is deeply embedded in every aspect of its operations. Staff members are trained to recognize and respond to the complex needs of individuals who have experienced trauma with empathy and understanding. Through fostering resilience, Caron empowers clients to overcome adversity and reclaim control of their lives. The organization's commitment to trauma-informed practices ensures that every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity, fostering an environment where healing and growth can flourish.

While the internship program is available at our various locations and throughout our many departments; our goals and process for the program remain the same to provide a cohesive process for all students.

OUR GOALS:

The primary goal of the program is to provide students with a comprehensive and immersive learning experience in the field of addiction treatment and recovery. Through hands-on training, supervision, and exposure to diverse settings and disciplines, the program aims to equip interns with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to pursue successful careers in their respective fields. Additionally, the program seeks to foster a deeper understanding of addiction and mental health issues to cultivate empathy and compassion towards individuals and families affected by these challenges. Ultimately, our program strives to empower future professionals to make meaningful contributions to their field and support the journey of healing and recovery for those in need.

HISTORY & GROWTH:

Since its inception in 2015 by Amy Bunn, Caron's internship program has undergone remarkable growth and evolution. Initially tailored towards psychology undergraduates and graduate counseling students, the program has since expanded its reach to encompass a diverse array of disciplines from nurse practitioners to information sciences and technology As part of its ongoing commitment to excellence, Caron's internship program is poised for further expansion, with plans to incorporate internships in more disciplines. This reflects the organization's dedication to innovation and continuous improvement in addiction treatment and as an educational institution.

Caron's internship program offers opportunities across multiple locations. Each location provides a unique environment for interns to gain diverse experiences in their field. From the tranquil hills of Pennsylvania to the coastal settings of Florida, interns have the chance to enrich their learning journey and preparing them for their respective fields.

Atlanta: Our Caron Atlanta location is an outpatient treatment center providing comprehensive drug and alcohol assessments, services to adolescents and adults, family education and support, recovery support services, and prevention services.

Florida: Our Caron Florida location is our second largest location. This location houses a variety of services that mirror the continuum of care for a patient. These programs include Renaissance, Ocean Drive, specialized mental health, older adult, neurocognitive assessment, and detox services.

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania is the home state of Caron and is where a variety of programs are mainly offered. These programs include our inpatient treatment center and partial hospitalization program in Wernersville, two outpatient centers in Wyomissing and Plymouth Meeting, and our student assistance program (which is in various states as well).

Virginia: Our Virginia location serves the D.C. Metro area near Arlington. This location provides recovery support and preventions services. As well as outpatient treatment through our Encore Outpatient Treatment Center. Encore offers a wide array of service from general outpatient to partial hospitalization programming to integrative health services.

Before applying for an internship, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Know your goals and objectives. Understand what you hope to achieve from the internship experience. Are you looking to gain practical skills, network with professionals in your field, explore potential career paths, or all of the above? Having clear goals will help you target the right opportunities and make the most of your internship.
2. Ensure that you receive credit. We will only be accepting students that are enrolled in a course or will receive credit through their degree program for the internship experience. If you are not enrolled in a course, please reach out to the Program Coordinator about potential shadowing opportunities.
3. Prepare your application materials. Your application materials, including your resume and cover letter, are essential components of your internship application. Customize each document to highlight relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the internship. Be sure to proofread your materials carefully and consider seeking feedback from mentors or career advisors to ensure they effectively showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

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