support for the transition to new life
Participants in the Union Gospel Mission recovery programs often speak of discovering what it means to be truly loved and accepted within our shelters — of experiencing a sense of family for the first time. Then, after 18 months to 2 years, they must leave that newfound community. The transition back into society — even for a strong, healthy program graduate — can be extremely difficult. The Aftercare program was created to facilitate this move from one community to another by helping to connect our residents with trained mentors, loving churches and each other.
Read more below, and/or download a PDF of the Aftercare Brochure.
MentorS
Our mentorships pair Christian couples or singles - who can provide an extended family setting and mentoring support - with a man or woman resident in one of our recovery programs. Aftercare mentorships help provide our residents with continued relational support to become God-dependent, contributing members of society.
- Mature Christians are paired with residents in phase 3 of our recovery programs
- Mentors receive training in the recovery process
- 1.5 to 2-year commitment
- Ongoing training and support provided
Training
The Mission's Aftercare Department provides a New Mentor Training to help equip mentors for the role.
- Provides an overview of the program including requirements, expectations, and UGM's heart for mentoring as well as information and resources needed to effectively serve as a mentor.
Commitment Needs from Mentors
- Attendance at Mentor Training sessions. We require all mentors to first attend the Mission's Volunteer Orientation, followed by Mentor Orientation, and finally Mentor Basic Training. Please see our events calendar to sign up for these classes.
- (Intention of) a 1-year commitment for mentoring a mentee.
- Availability for weekly connections with mentee before and after transitioning out of our recovery programs.
- Monthly communication with the Aftercare Manager.
To find out more, contact Greg Barclay, Volunteer Director at 509-532-3813.
CHURCHES | ECHO Partnership
ECHO (Equipping Churches for Hands Outreached) provides quality training for pastors and lay people who are working to make their churches healthy places for people in ongoing recovery.
The training benefits both churches and people in recovery: Mentors provide relationship support and an extended family to men and women in the Union Gospel Mission recovery programs.
- Mature Christians are paired with residents in phase 3 of our recovery programs
- Mentors receive training in the recovery process
- 1.5 to 2-year commitment
- Ongoing training and support provided
- ECHO churches grow in their ability to reach out and minister to the hurting and broken while also encouraging spiritual growth and maturity.
- People in recovery, including graduates from the Mission’s programs, can be welcomed into the Body at churches throughout the Inland Northwest – churches that know how to effectively support them in biblical recovery.
Download a PDF of our ECHO bulletin insert.
- For further questions about ECHO training, contact Kari Reese, Aftercare Manager, at 509-532-3851
Alumni Events
Events are hosted on a regular basis to help graduates who have continued in their recovery stay connected with staff members and one another.
- For more information contact Holly Haneke, Aftercare Assistant, at 509-532-3856
