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Probst executive director says clients can partici- pate in work therapy for 20 hours each week where they learn and practice soft skills to keep a job. He says that over 13 weeks all clients com- plete WorkNet Solutions material which covers applying for work interviewing and maintaining a job all while focusing on building a career. Robert explains Clients with income pay a 20 percent program fee to develop a sense of responsibility and they are required to save 80 percent of the balance of their income so they have funds available with which to reenter society upon graduation. When graduates find employment they remain in the Bridge Program until their income level and savings level will support independent living. VOLUNTEERING S tephanie Boardman executive director at Sunshine Rescue Mission in Flagstaff Arizona says that successfully launching clients back into the world begins with them getting involved in the community. Thats why the mission offers weekly volunteer opportunities. Stephanie says Within our volunteering many catch a vision to serve and get back to work again. Thus a step toward reengagement back into the community through our Men on a Mission program. Before the mission began Men on a Mission only about 7 percent of their guests obtained jobs. Now many have secured employment at local businesses and are serving in community events. But thats not the only blessing Stephanie says. Our Men on a Mission are becoming known for their service Volunteering is also a key ingredient for tran- sitioning clients at Good News Rescue Mission in Redding California. Executive Director Jonathan Anderson says tasks like cleaning up trash and setting up for city events build self-esteem in WWW.AGRM.ORGMARCHAPRIL 2016 45 A NEW WAY OF THINKING One mission guest finally breaks away from negative thoughts Sometimes one of the greatest things a mission can do to launch clients back into the world is to help them break out of a negative mentality. Fay Ternan executive director of the Lewis County Gospel Mission in Chehalis Washington tells the story of L.D. one of their frequent visitors who made a drastic turnaround Hed recently been released from prison was on parole and dealing with medical challenges. He told us hed been in and out of jailprison since he was about 13 years old and was over 50 now. All he knew was a prisoners way of thinking. Because volunteers at the missions day shelter accepted encouraged and affirmed himand helped him connect with a Celebrate Recovery group and a churchL.D. has made significant changes in his life. The prisoner mentality that drove many of his choices is beginning to melt away and we see him more at peace even as he faces potential back surgery and still has no stable living situation. He has become one of our most faithful volunteers. The joy on his face as he serves and now reaches out to others in need is a blessing. L.D. and those of us at the mission know that he will still face chal- lenges and has a lot to learn about living outside the rigid structure he was used to. The difference for L.D. is that he discovered there are people who care value and believe in him. We give him space when he needs it but call him back not just to fellowship but to loving account- ability as well. While we grieve for him when he stumbles we rejoice with him as he experiences each aha moment the Lord presents to him. And praise the Lord we rejoice considerably more than we grieve