The streets of our cities have changed dramatically in the past few years. In a very real sense, at the rescue mission we are seeing the combined effects of the disintegration of the traditional family, a decline in the influence of traditional Judeo-Christian values and spirituality, and an epidemic of drug addiction, especially crack cocaine.

In light of these changes, rescue missions are re-evaluating their approach to ministry. To creatively meet the needs of people with more complex problems, attempts are being made to provide more comprehensive help through the development of very progressive and, in many cases, longer-term programs. Through the Education Department of the International Union of Gospel Missions, we are working to develop resources to equip chaplains, counselors, and program directors to respond appropriately to these needs. With this commitment in mind, A Guide to Effective Rescue Mission Recovery Programs was developed.

A recent Gallup study commissioned by the Los Angeles Mission confirmed that addiction to alcohol and drugs is the number one problem of the homeless. Most of those who walk through the doors of the rescue mission are either addicts themselves, or are the products of dysfunctional families and broken homes that were significantly impacted by addiction. Addiction is a root problem. Until it is brought under control, any other help we provide will not be effective. Education, housing, and employment will certainly be lost when an individual is unable to stay sober.

There is a vast difference between abstinence (stopping the active use of alcohol and drugs) and a lifestyle of recovery. Recovery means active involvement in a program of personal growth - a whole new lifestyle. It means recovering from all the on-going effects of addiction on the mind, the emotions, the body, and the soul. It means "re-connecting with the human race" - rebuilding damaged relationships with others and developing positive friendships. Recovery means living in a growing relationship with God.

To be effective, a rescue mission recovery program must be an organized, planned, scheduled effort to utilize all the resources at its disposal to accomplish two important tasks - 1) to help addicts to overcome the obstacles to a life of sobriety and 2) to assist them to build a solid foundation for a life-long process of spiritual growth. This guide is an attempt to develop a model for a recovery program that can be implemented in practically any rescue mission setting.

This format has been well-proven. The basic case management strategies of this guide are classic principles utilized by other types of human service agencies. They have been used successfully for several years in the long-term residential programs of New Creation Center, a licensed, Christ-centered substance abuse treatment facility. The written recovery plan format is an organized approach to maintaining a structured program while still identifying and meeting the unique needs of each individual participating in it.

One of the most important elements of a successful program is the ability to understand which resources can be provided "in-house" by the mission's own staff members and which resources will be provided by agencies and groups in the community. In many cases, a great deal of time must be spent in research to identify resources that can be used in the general community. But, inevitably, a mission provides better services to its clients when it focuses on what it can do best, while utilizing outside resources to meet those needs for which it may not be fully equipped.

There is no more important element of an effective program than the members of the mission's staff. They need to be trained adequately for the challenges they face. The tapes in this guide can be used for in-service training. They can provide a special format for evaluating a mission's current program and discussing changes that might make it more effective. Rescue mission staff members are also encouraged to seek additional training opportunities that may be offered by local colleges, hospitals, treatment facilities and mental health services.

Ultimately, we know we have really done our job with our clients when they no longer need us. From day one, our attitude ought be that of "working ourselves out of a job" in the lives of our clients. It is our hope that the resources shared in this guide will assist you to do just that. Your input regarding the materials and principles contained in this guide is requested. Please contact us if we can answer any questions about this material or provide additional assistance to you.

Rev. Michael Liimatta

March 25, 1993

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