A New Life: Programs Equip Residents for Transformation
UGM-TC offers practical help for men ready to make positive, lasting change in their lives through our programs for residents. The structured, focused environment encourages residents to grow spiritually and develop critical life skills. Each resident receives personalized direction and encouragement from a case manager.
ADMISSION
Each potential resident undergoes an extensive intake interview after completing a 30-page assessment. Taken together, the interview and the assessment help the resident and mission staff better understand how to shape a goal plan. A case worker then recommends specific help for each issue that the client has identified. Once the client and the case worker agree on a course of action, the client assumes responsibility for fulfilling the goal plan. The case worker provides direction, accountability, and support for the client. Men’s Building clients most commonly face barriers related to education, mental health, substance abuse, and physical health.
THE MEN’S PROGRAM
All participants agree to attend Alpha, chapel, and other mission functions related to spiritual development and to fulfill all aspects of their individual goal plans. Within that framework, some clients have jobs and pay a nominal rental fee while receiving case management. Other clients receive rental assistance from outside agencies. The majority of men’s building clients participate in the work readiness program. Work readiness clients perform roughly 20 hours per week of duties in a variety of settings. The duties help clients learn how to handle the stresses they will encounter in future employment in a positive manner, and allows them build confidence in their ability to complete tasks.
PROGRAM COMPLETION
Clients often encounter and uncover new barriers during their time at the mission; some issues require a lifetime of recovery. Success must be defined individually for each client. In the men’s program, however, if a client secures housing and/or attains an income and moves on to live independently, we consider the client as having completed the program. Not every client can work, so we provide a social worker with specialized training in helping clients qualify for disability or supplemental security benefits.
We try to connect clients with housing options that can best meet their needs. Options include unsubsidized housing for those who are mostly self-sufficient to long-term transitional housing for the homeless, case-managed housing for those with addiction or mental health issues, or even rehabilitative centers for those with precarious health situations. The goal of helping a client find housing is to maximize the chance for successful independent living.
SINGLE FATHERS
In Tarrant County, no group of homeless people face a greater shortage of available services than custodial single fathers. In response to this need, the Men’s Building partners with Family Center case managers to offer shelter and direction for fathers with children.
