Men's recovery housing idea

EJ M

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Great idea and an overwhelming need.
With prayer and a commitment, this ministry could be huge.
A serious need in our country, and increasing every day.
However no point reinventing the wheel.
Union Gospel mission has a free program you could learn from.
Teen Challenge is another.
Team Mentoring is very good (link below)
I was at a Team meeting once and a speaker gave his testimony about how much TEAM had helped him. At that time he was 54 years old and had been free for 18 months, the longest he was free since he was 12 years old. How could that be?
It's all about money, if the prisons would in fact rehabilitate inmates instead of being crime schools,
80% would be free free forever instead of re-offending and being re-incarcerated. But many guards and administrative staff would be without jobs so, keep them coming back, great job security.
About Us - T.E.A.M. Mentoring
 
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Deborah D

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Hey guys, I am praying on something that might be awesome and want to run it by you guys.
and see what you think?
How about a 40 acre tract of woods and brush that we could put up several small one room cabins and let men who are recovering from alcohol or drugs stay there and take care of a few farm animals and a large community garden that the extra produce would be further given the poor in the community.
These men would have campfire bible studies and Sunday church regularly as part of the program.
I believe there are many areas we could go into here, Like a community corrections team that let guys work off their debts here in our county like community service etc:
We could also help them find jobs and teach them some biblical values.
What are your thoughts? Concerns? etc

I work for the head of a ministry that does something similar to what you're talking about. If you want info, PM me.

Edit: I want to encourage you. If God is leading you into this, He will provide everything you need. Your heart is in the right place. Keep seeking Him about it.
 
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teresa

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Jacobs Ladder has a farm program that lists this:

Residents will help with livestock (cows, lambs and sheep, chickens, etc.) including:
  • feeding, herding, and relocation
  • hygiene and general care
  • hay baling and storage
  • firewood collection
  • irrigation systems management
  • fence repair and management
  • machinery care and maintenance
  • and many other responsibilities
 
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teresa

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perhaps contact the staff and ask about coming over and doing some observing (you would need the clients permission I'm sure), and shadowing the staff.....

ask them if they could meet with you so that you can "pick their brains," take notes and ask questions

PO Box 20. Morrow, AR 72749
Telephone: (888) 289-6818
Fax: (888) 844-1669
Email: mail@teenchallengeranch.com
 
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Southernscotty

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Now you have worked in an institution that had rules and regulations that helped protect you, and kept the addicts at a kind of safe distance. Have you consulted with an attorney about possible liability you might face in this event or that event in the scenario you are picturing?
Yes and we have talked about the problem of squatters, I don't know how I would enforce that because you can't make people leave anymore. He told me of a elderly woman who let a homeless guy sleep in an empty van in her yard for a couple of nights. Well it has been two years and he won't leave and she can't make him as he has rights? He is just junking up her yard and making her miserable.
I think someone should take a stick over there and put a knot on his head, But I don't wanna say that out loud.
 
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Southernscotty

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Thanks guys, This would be an intense biblical program and these guys would have to attend the workgroups. I was wanting to have workgroups on Anger, Drugs, Alcohol, etc;
But the main things would be the ministry itself. Good old bible reading and study is the best therapy in my opinion but also getting their hands dirty working in the garden, But seeing the fruits of handing it out to poor people and actually seeing the difference they are making in people's lives by contributing to the problem. I believe there would be healing in that alone
 
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Southernscotty

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Do you have a plan for those people who play the ministry just as they played the people in Prison. I have seen many people play at Christianity with no real intention or commitment. My recommendation is to test their doctrine. If they can clearly explain their salvation from the scriptures and how it has changed them it would be a good start.
You are correct, I have seen many who talk it, But will not walk it. However this would still give them an opportunity to be surrounded by loving people and animals who might cause them to want change.
You might think I am crazy lol but animals have a certain way of changing people's lives, When something loves you with a pure innocent love, You can love it back because there is no judgement you see.
 
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Southernscotty

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it's already going on, maybe not exactly how you describe but they have close examples, it's called "teen challenge". If you were serious about this (have the contacts, funds, donations, etcs...) I would contact them. no need to reinvent the wheel.
Thanks and I am looking into this, However I do believe it is a little different than an actual working farm that provides for itself and the community
 
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Petros2015

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Jacobs Ladder has a farm program that lists this:

Yes I would strongly suggest you get in touch with people who have 'been there done that' something similar to what you are thinking of. There are going to be all kinds of pitfalls and you are going to want as much professional help as you can get. Start small - one cabin, 4 guys and see how it goes from there.

(great find Kat1!)
Long Term Addiction Treatment for Young Men

I'm a AA member of some 5 years, and we do NOT like 'time on our hands'. Most of the recovery houses I am aware of are 12 step based, but I know of a good Christian ministry one (not farm based, but a small group of 4-6 guys and a pastor). Their days are pretty fully planned out I think. Group interaction is key and you are going to want to screen your applicants somehow. I'd recommend partnering as much as you can with 12-step groups and members in your area for advice and support. Many 12-Step members who have been sober for awhile are Christian and I think would be glad to help. Quite a few addicts fall into the 'dual-diagnosis' category of substance abuse plus significant mental illness that may require medication or checking that they are taking their medication correctly. This isn't always immediately obvious. Don't bite off more than you can chew or are prepared to handle. Screen as carefully as you can for people who really want recovery, that you are capable of giving good care to and are willing to work with others and play by your rules.

Partner, partner, partner for as much help and experience as you can get.
 
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LoricaLady

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Yes and we have talked about the problem of squatters, I don't know how I would enforce that because you can't make people leave anymore. He told me of a elderly woman who let a homeless guy sleep in an empty van in her yard for a couple of nights. Well it has been two years and he won't leave and she can't make him as he has rights? He is just junking up her yard and making her miserable.
I think someone should take a stick over there and put a knot on his head, But I don't wanna say that out loud.
Now I am wondering what kind of law is on the books, and in what state/s, that give a person the legal right to stay on someone else's property when asked to leave.
 
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Southernscotty

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Now I am wondering what kind of law is on the books, and in what state/s, that give a person the legal right to stay on someone else's property when asked to leave.
I ask the same thing and he said, Squatters have rights and cannot be forced out, They must be presented with a notice of eviction and you have to sue them. If they do not show up for court, [which they won't] Then it just gets postponed . This poor woman doesn't deserve this
 
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Jesusismyking87!!

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The fear of drug stashing.

To easy volunteers get to live out in a cabin as well which two volunteers will be responsible for making sure and monitoring the safe keeping of the community members.

As well you may want to look in on how long of a stay you would allow them by showing signs of improvement.
 
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Southernscotty

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The fear of drug stashing.

To easy volunteers get to live out in a cabin as well which two volunteers will be responsible for making sure and monitoring the safe keeping of the community members.

As well you may want to look in on how long of a stay you would allow them by showing signs of improvement.
Yes, I would like volunteers to stay on the grounds and I believe keeping it small and manageable would be best. Let say 10 or so at the most, Then they could receive the attention needed to recover.
I have been looking at breaking the chains 12 steps and I know some guys involved. It is like AA but the Higher power is only Jesus of course and is a very biblical approach.
 
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Jesusismyking87!!

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Yes, I would like volunteers to stay on the grounds and I believe keeping it small and manageable would be best. Let say 10 or so at the most, Then they could receive the attention needed to recover.
I have been looking at breaking the chains 12 steps and I know some guys involved. It is like AA but the Higher power is only Jesus of course and is a very biblical approach.

We have the same approach here in living sober community here in GA. Man if you were close I would sign on up. But stay in contact over this I am excited to see this develop in Jesus name.
 
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Richard T

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Hey guys, I am praying on something that might be awesome and want to run it by you guys.
and see what you think?
Rather than reinvent the wheel I would look at other faith-based treatment centers and see how they are run and financed. The only one I know of is Good Samaritan Rehabilitation | Faith-Based Rehabilitation in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho They start with inpatient treatment and after a time pair their clients up with Christians in homes/apartments for 6 months. Sometimes the courts use them for diversion, so I think they may get some money from the county. I am sure there are others that have successful programs but certainly more help is needed.
 
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