Men’s Life Change

Relapse Prevention Program

Are you “sick and tired” of being homeless, unemployed, and aimless? Are you able to commit 12-18 months to changing chronic behaviors and unhealthy choices?

If so, you may want to consider the Eugene Mission’s Life Change Program. Reflect on these two questions, “Do you want to get well?” and “Do you want to learn about God?” The Life Change program is a 12-18 month residential relapse prevention program that is free of charge to those who demonstrate a serious desire to heal and grow emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically and mentally. The goal is that upon graduation, program members will be able to reenter society with employment or sustainable income and housing.

Lives Change Here

• Lives Change Here •

How many people are enrolled?

Up to 40 men enroll annually in a year-long journey towards wellness – as they are afforded the opportunity to experience spiritual growth and healing, as well as emotional recovery in their lives. The end goal is that men and women will be better equipped to leave the Mission with the tools to be able to reenter society and to sustain their reentry with a job and housing.

Who are these men entering the program?

Most have been at the Mission for several months and are “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Many have struggled in their past with substance abuse. Some have been physically, verbally, or sexually abused by their relatives or have experienced adult domestic violence, and have been unable to cope with the emotional damage of that abuse. Some have criminal histories. Most experience the inability to maintain employment. Whatever their past, all have expressed a desire to “get well” and to “learn about God.” They are hopeful that this one year commitment of healing and learning will lead them to a better future.

What is it like in the Life Change Program?

Our Life Change members have busy days! They wake up early for a day full of a myriad of classes, support groups, Bible studies, physical fitness, and prayer/reflection time. These groups are led by both staff and community/church volunteers. Sandwiched in between classes and groups are four hours of daily service to the Mission in the form of meal preparation and other chores at each Center. As time progresses, and spiritual and emotional growth occurs, the program shifts toward transitioning into job search skills, community service, management of a household and finances, and other skills needed when the participants are ready to leave the Mission.

“Seeing hundreds of addicts go through this program over the years, it takes thirty days just to stabilize a hardcore addict. The ideal applicant recognizes that they are ready to surrender to the fact that they cannot do life on their own any longer. We are talking about not just being abstinent but living ‘sober-minded.’”

— Denver Harris, Life Change Program Director