ARK Safer-R Model
Stabilize
Introduce yourself and ARK – a network of churches helping our neighbors in times of crisis and disaster.
Explain purpose of conversation – to understand their needs at the moment and help them begin to move forward with returning to normal life.
Introduce your partner and explain partner will be taking a few notes to fill out a form to help us make sure they get the help they need.
“I just want to begin by saying how sad we are that you and your family are going through this difficult time.”
Acknowledge the crisis – listen to their story
Ask for name and address if you don’t have it on the form already.
Where were you when (the event) occurred?
Since we weren’t there, would you be able to share with us a little more about what happened and what it was like for you?
Reflect emotion, mirror and show empathy appropriately.
Facilitate Understanding to reflect normalization
What was going through your mind while this was all happening?
What kind of thoughts and feelings have you been having since then?
Paraphrase their answers and reflect back to them, so you can then say, “Thank you for sharing your story, I know this is such a difficult time for you, but I just want to assure you that the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing – (paraphrase back to) – them are actually completely normal for someone who is going through what you are going through. THEY ARE THE NORMAL REACTION OF A NORMAL PERSON TO AN ABNORMAL EVENT
Encourage effective coping (mechanisms of action)
What kind of things are you doing right now to take care you yourself and help you get through all of this?
Affirm and support their efforts.
Explain affects stress has on the body, check in with them to ascertain how well they are sleeping, are they hydrating, are they eating right, briefly explain how these steps can start to alleviate the physical and emotional impact of stress.
Ask about their access to support systems – family, friends, church, etc. Who would they normally reach out to for help? Is there anyone we can call for you? What kind of help do you think they can provide at this time? See if you can lead them through a discussion of a few basic options for next steps.
What do you think is your biggest and most immediate need or concern?
Recovery/ Referral
Before we are done here today, we will provide you with a packet that has lots of good information that can help you and your family alleviate stress and start planning next steps to get back to normal.
One service we offer is the opportunity to connect you with a recovery supporter – we call them shepherds – a member of a local church who has been trained to come alongside you and serve as a guide and a friend to help you navigate all the challenges you and your family are now facing. Would you like for us to connect you with a shepherd to help you continue this process?
I think we just about have all the information we need, but before we wrap up, I have one more question to ask, and I admit it might sound a little strange, but just take a minute to think about it: Can you think of any possible good that could come out of this awful event? (just let them think and validate whatever they come up with).
If appropriate, ask if it would be ok to say a brief prayer for them. Provide packet.
NOTE: If the survivor shows any signs of being unstable or suicidal, inform your supervisor before letting them leaves so the proper medical or mental health steps can be taken.
