The Overcomer's Discipleship/Recovery Program
In addition to meeting basic life needs for men, the Mission enables those men who are committed to a positive life change to address their problems, and prepare themselves for productive lives in the community, through an intensive 12-month program. Ultimately, the goal of this program is to help these men to return to the community as self-sufficient individuals, contributing to Philadelphia's economy and quality of life. In 2007, 156 men participated in this program, with a total of 11,600 nights of lodging provided.
Program Components
A one year residential commitment is asked of each man, during which time, he is exposed to the biblical concepts of recovery, life skills, work ethics and scripture memorization. The men systematically go through the Bible by way of a topical index as we give scriptural teaching related to spiritual healing and substance dependency. Each man is also assigned a case manager to help him develop short and long term goals in various areas including: physical health, emotional health and counseling in areas key to reconciliation with God, family and the social workforce.
Daily Schedule
- morning devotions
- noon chapel
- a one hour discipleship/recovery class
- a one hour bible study class
- evening chapel
Career Education Services
Upon completion of nine (9) months in our Discipleship/Recovery Program, each man enters Career Education Services portion of the program. This consists of background checks in the areas of criminal/judicial, financial (credit), educational and employment. Each man receives assistance with preparing job applications, resume writing and interview strategies. Appropriate business attire is also provided.
Vocational Training and Certification is available for in the areas of Food Safety and Handling as well as Basic Janitorial and Housekeeping.
Learning Center
Education is an important component of preparing men for productive lives. Our Learning Center is staffed by a full-time chaplain and volunteer tutors. Each program resident is evaluated on basic educational skills: Reading, Writing, Math, Phonics and Vocabulary. Anyone who does not have a High School Diploma or GED immediately begins working toward the goal of achieving his diploma. The man who already has a HSD or GED will do refresher lessons as well as begin some Computer Literacy courses. The Learning Center also distributes Bibles, notebooks and other resources to the program men. Program men spend 2 hours a day, three days a week in the Learning Center.
The Learning Center has a computer lab with 14 computers. Each computer is equipped with the NOVA Program, which is an individualized, learning-based, adult, education and employment program developed by Innovative Learning Systems (ILS) to provide an innovative, cost-effective alternative to conventional education. You can learn more about specific goals of the NOVA program at the ILS website.
Intern Program
As men complete the discipleship/recovery program, some give evidence to a call to ministry. To these men we provide an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ and deeper into the Holy Scriptures. These men will be able to spend at least one additional year at the facility:
- Attending Rescue College or an In-House Inductive Study of the Bible
- Training for vocational work in Rescue Ministry
- Preparing for ministry within the local church
- Learning to do the work of an Evangelist
- Other rewarding and beneficial aspects of Christian ministry
Get Involved
Do you feel called to participate in the lives of the men in the Overcomer's Program? Learn more about volunteer opportunities and items needed.
Contact
Pastor Montez Johnson, Director of Men's Ministry
(215) 922-6400 x102
mjohnson@sundaybreakfast.org
