Today is the last installment of our discussion about the four components that make up our programs and services. One last time, they are:
- Rescue
- Restoration
- Rehabilitation
- Reintegration
Let’s take a look at reintegration. Most of the men and women we serve at our two shelters have lost a great deal. They have not only lost material possessions, but also relationships, careers as well as unseen things such as confidence, self-esteem and hope. It is our desire to see them recover these things so they can find their place again.
This is why the job readiness portion of our programming is so important. It’s not enough for a person to get sober or even find a job and a place to live if they aren’t ready to integrate into their new circumstances.
The process for some begins with the small things like waking up to an alarm clock, getting dressed in the appropriate attire for the day and making their bed. These simple tasks lead to more complex ones that equip a person to live self-sufficiently.
For those in the 13-month New Beginnings Program, they will spend the last six months working either at one of our resale stores or for Faith Enterprises, our lawn and tree service. They work half a day, earn a paycheck and attend classes the other half. We provide guidance for saving and spending their money and help them open a bank account.
When they graduate, we help them find a permanent job, attain transportation and housing and provide some items to help them get started.
If they still need more time to acclimate to independent living and save their money, we provide a transitional supportive house for them for up to one more year. There they live with 5 other graduates along with a Residential Manager who provides accountability and structure. Case management and mentoring is also available.
It is our hope that every person that leaves our shelters is prepared to provide for themselves and their families in every way, including spiritually. We require church attendance during their stay in hopes that they will find a group of people that will be there for them in their new journey.
If you want to find out more about all our services, check us out at faithmissionwf.org.
