Programs
Life Builders
A nourishing meal, a hot shower, clean clothes, toiletries, and a warm bed are some of the services offered to men who have nowhere else to go. The men are encouraged to stay for at least ninety days and to try to turn their lives around to become successful and employable citizens. While here at the Mission, the men receive counseling and attend Bible studies and chapel services. The Mission's work therapy program provides meaningful work in the warehouse, thrift stores, repair shop, around the Mission, and on the trucks. Men who come to the Mission with no hope of a bright future receive the opportunity to be productive and restore their dignity and self-esteem. Many residents come to the Mission with no personal identification. The staff of the Mission helps residents obtain a driver's license, a NC identification card, social security card, or a criminal background check, depending on their need. Some of the classes the men attend include Overcomers in Christ, Anger Management, Crossroads, Life Skills, and Financial Management.
Transformers
The Transformers program is a 12-month recovery program which consists of Biblical counseling, Bible study classes, local church attendance, case management, medical assistance, health training, adult education, life skills training, financial planning, and career development. The Program is divided into four phases, including Introduction, Transformation, Application, and Graduation. The Program is task, not time oriented. Before moving to the next phase, residents must complete all the requirements of each phase and be evaluated by their counselor. Upon completion of Transformers, residents will have secured and maintained permanent housing and employment and will be equipped with the tools to be productive members of society.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye Transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Senior Foster Care
The Senior Foster Care area provides a place for elderly or mildly disabled men to stay and be sheltered from the elements outside. Here they have a secure, affordable, caring place to live. A special area of the Mission is set aside for these men. They are provided transportation to and from doctor's appointments when necessary. Those who are veterans have the opportunity to meet with a representative from the Veteran's Administration each week and thereby take advantage of the many benefits available to our veterans.
Work Therapy
As part of the ninety-day program, the residents at the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission are given work to do according to their physical abilities and skill levels. They work in the thrift stores, warehouse, repair shops, around the Mission, and on the trucks. The jobs they are given help to instill a sense of responsibility as well as teach them how to handle authority and work relationships.
Partnership with the Veteran's Administration
Veterans are referred here from all over the state because of the great reputation of the Winston-Salem Veteran's Administration. Each week a representative comes to the Mission and meets with the veterans one-on-one. The VA helps these men obtain the medicine they need and arranges for them to go to the VA Hospital in Salisbury when necessary. They also help them to find transitional housing and aid them in obtaining disability benefits.
Thrift Stores
The Mission owns and operates two thrift stores. Donated items are sold in the stores to generate revenue for the operating expenses of the Mission. The larger of the two stores sells furniture, bedding, and large appliances. The smaller thrift store offers clothing for children and adults, small appliances, books, household items, and bric-a-brac. Twenty-five percent of the Mission's income comes from store sales.
Community Outreach
Although the Mission is equipped to house only men, women and children also benefit from our ministry in several ways. We have free clothing available through our clothing closet which is open Tuesday through Friday. Bags of food are given to those who request it. Our Food Service Manager handles these requests on Wednesday mornings. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, we receive names and addresses of people needing food, and we provide them with the ingredients for a complete holiday meal.
Alpha Acres
Located on a 110-acre farm in Yadkin County, Alpha Acres is a long-term drug and alcohol recovery center. Men who enter this twelve-month program receive biblical counseling, participate in Bible studies, and engage in work therapy opportunities. The Innovative Learning Center prepares them to obtain their GED diploma and helps them to acquire computer literacy at the same time. Since the program began in 1997, there have been forty-eight men to complete the twelve-month program.
