Women’s Ministry 2nd Step Graduation
On February 26th, friends and family gathered to celebrate 9 graduates of the Women’s Ministry 2nd Step Program at Union Rescue Mission. The ceremony was a joyful time with worship and praise, special music by Tess Escoto, graduate testimonies, a keynote address by Dr. Paulett Melina, and special remarks by Union Rescue Mission’s CEO, Andy Bales. For completion of URM’s 2nd Step Program, graduates fulfilled the following requirements:
- 92 hours of Personal/Spiritual Development: weekly chapel attendance, Bible study, evening devotions twice a week, journaling, and creative writing.
- 38 hours of Life Skills: money management, goal setting, housing search and social skills.
- 28 hours of Healthy Relations: parenting, a series called Within My reach, and Boundaries.
- 22 hours of Health and Nutrition: women’s wellness hygiene, and nutrition.
- 110 hours of Educational/Vocational classes: computer literacy, math/reading skills, customer service skills resumes, and job applications.
- 52 hours of Physical Fitness
- Commitment to a savings plan.
Thanks to your prayers and support from wonderful friends like you, these women now have a second chance in life.
Here’s a brief testimony from one of the graduates
I ended up at the Union Rescue Mission because after losing my job I used the little money I had stay in an SRO. I got another retail job, but my money ran out the same week I was getting my first pay check so I needed a place to stay for a few nights. Then I learned of the 2nd Step Program. It took me a while to warm up because I’m not used to the social service environment. It’s been a big challenge for me to live with all these people. But from the first day to the last day everyone has been very kind, helpful, and comforting to me. I feel even more grateful today. The program has allowed me the ability to save some money. And now I am back in school pursuing my dream of a career in the creative arts/art therapy field.
–Demetria
Click here to browse pictures from the ceremony: