Our extended services include long-term housing and discipleship programs, where clients participate in faith formation, educational and basic life skills programs.
Discipleship Program
All three shelters offer long-term, faith-based, rehabilitation programs called Discipleship. These programs are designed to help people end their personal struggles with homelessness, first by establishing and nurturing a relationship with Jesus Christ, then by learning the skills necessary to re-enter society and live an independent life. This process includes graduating from the Mission’s Learning Center, obtaining a job and — in the final phase — living in a transitional living facility. Prior to graduation from the program, each disciple must be involved with a local church, have a savings account, hold a job and be living independently. The Discipleship Program is self-paced, and usually takes between eighteen months and two years to complete.
Case Management
All those seeking to enter the Discipleship Program are interviewed by the Program Director and staff. Each person accepted into the program is assigned a chaplain who meets with them on a weekly basis to monitor progress and provide spiritual guidance. Before graduating, each disciple must be connected to a local church, and have $2000 in a savings account. Any client or disciple who has deep-seated mental or substance abuse problems receives professional help.
Learning Center
In the 21st century, a lack of computer skills severely limits a person’s ability to qualify for most jobs. All of our shelters have on-site learning centers where clients can learn computer skills, basic math and reading, how to use an online job bank, etc. Graduation from the Learning Center is mandatory for disciples. Ken, a 47-year-old disciple says: “When I came to UGM I couldn’t read. Now I’m motivated to know the Bible better, to succeed in living the Christian life.”
