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SPIRITUAL STEPS A number of leaders emphasized a relation- ship with Christ as essential to transi- tioning away from mission life. Henry Martin executive director at Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission in Louisiana says his missions first priority is to provide a safe place for guests protecting them from the harshness and condem- nation of the world. But their successful return to the outside he says hinges on faith in Christ. Without faith in Him people will reenter the world facing the same hang-ups habits and hurts that brought them to our doors in the first place he says. Coupled with discipline coun- seling and vocational trainingand of course the basic needs of food clothing and shelter our guests come to realize that life with Christ is a journey they can make with joy. Peoria Rescue Ministries in Illinois takes a similar approach. Jerry Trecek executive director says once clients are introduced to a personal relationship to Jesus Christ the ministry connects them to a solid local church and an accountability group for weekly encour- agement. Jerry adds Without this relationship and accountability they are headed for failure. FINANCES AND EMPLOYMENT A big part of launching back into the world is for clients to secure jobs and gain financial footingtwo significant challenges. To help with this CITA Mission in Melbourne Florida has a job development pro- gram and a local bank that works with clients. Bryan Buddy Morrow executive director of CITA says When clients are placed in a job TD Bank works with us by allowing our men to open a bank account TD calls them Forgiveness Ac- counts as long as they do not owe any monies to TD Bank. If the individual does well and stays on a budget he can move on to transitional housing. Jobs Plus Employment Network of City Gospel Mission in Cincinnati does something similar to transition clients. Program Director Brad Mueller says the mission works one-on-one with individ- uals so they regain their self-worth. At the same time the program provides practical biblical instruction on basic life skills helping guests not only find jobs but also to become effective employees. This can be difficult considering that their clients have spent years struggling with unemployment background issues and unhealthy lifestyles. By obtaining meaningful employment Brad says the individuals in the program feel much better about themselves as they become productive citizens who can start to provide for themselves and their families. Helping transitioning clients find employment is the focus of Oliver Gospel Mission in Columbia South Carolina. PresidentCEO Wayne Fields says the mission connects with area employers through employer roundtables to explain their ministry to men. Thanks to the mission these employers have hired men even with felonies on their records. The mission has also developed what they call a Profile of a Man of Influence. This provides a picture of what they want to see in men who com- plete their program and pursue new lives. Wayne describes three elements of the profile Fulfilled has to do with helping them to develop their relationship with God. Functioning has to do with helping with the skills and attitudes needed for responsible living such as education and employ- ment issues. Fruitful has to do with helping them to reach out to and influence others so that they learn to be givers and not merely takers and receivers. Long Beach Rescue Mission in California offers a long and varied list of options for those reentering the world. Several of those options relate to getting and keeping a job. Robert 44 WWW.AGRM.ORG MARCHAPRIL 2016 The mission has also developed what they call a Profile of a Man of Influence. This provides a picture of what they want to see in men who complete their program and pursue new lives.