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Applied in 2007

Rachel's House

Lower Lights Ministries, Inc.

Program Facts

  • Paid (FTE) Staff Working: 2.5
  • Program Participants Last Year: 10
  • Meets about 40 time(s) with each participant per month
  • Participants remain in the program for 9 months

Volunteers

Volunteers per month: 15

Volunteers are trained:

Volunteer Training
AlwaysRarely

Volunteers are actively recruited:

Volunteer Recruiting
AlwaysRarely

Board Activities

  • Formally reviews the performance of the chief executive officer at least once every two years.
  • Formally approves the budget.
  • Ensures that arrangements with outside fund raising firms are made in writing.
  • Receives information about the financial arrangements with such firms and, if applicable, the anticipated portion of the gross proceeds that goes to the organization.
  • Has formally approved a conflict of interest policy and regularly monitors it to ensure adherence.
  • Receives, at least quarterly, the organization's financial statement.
  • Receives, at least annually, an auditor's management letter and report.
  • Convenes an audit committee.

Outcomes & Measures: (self-reported)

Outcome 1
85% of residents maintain drug free status during program residency.

Measure
1. Provide weekly 12-step support group.

2. Monitor sobriety through random testing.

3. Require outside AA/NA support groups when necessary.

Outcome 2
90% of program graduates will evidence increased financial management.

Measure
1. Provide four weekly classes on financial stewardship.

2. Provide financial mentor to establish and maintain budget.

3. Require registering of paycheck before cashing.

Outcome 3
85% of residents will obtain employment with 3 months of prison release.

Measure
1. Provide employment mentor to assess skills and approve resume.

2. Attend job-readiness school.

3. Provide holistic employment support.

Outcome 4
75% of residents will graduate with three supportive sets of contacts.

Measure
1. Provide intermediary to facilitate reconciliation with family members.

2. Involve resident in faith community of their choice.

3. Provide personal mentor for each resident

4. Involve residents in established recovery meetings.

Outcome 5
100% of approved applicants offered 6 months of housing.

Measure
1. Assess applicants while incarcerated

2. Provide guidelines prior to release for resident’s approval

Change Process: (self-reported)

Women need a safe place to heal and grow from instability, abuse, addiction, crime, and self-destruction. This safe place is defined by five focuses at Rachel’s House: spiritual formation, employment attainment and retention, life skills education, financial literacy, and substance abuse recovery. We are naïve if we believe it is possible to undo years dysfunction in six months. Through these five components, we are providing each woman with a complete network of support systems whether spiritually, relationally, physically, emotionally, or personally. As women begin to experience Rachel’s House as their home, they begin to rebuild life. “Birdie” is one such story. Birdie has been incarcerated six times. In addition to having a child at the age of 15 and a victim of domestic abuse, Birdie was a drug addict for over 30 years. After experiencing the love of God in the prison, she began attending Rachel’s House Bible Study. She allowed mentors and encouragers into her life as teachers and friends. Birdie has been healing emotional wounds and learning what it is to trust others, trust God, and use her incredible skills for good. Birdie has since moved into leadership at Rachel’s House as a Resident Director. God is using her gifts of leadership and hospitality to bring healing not only in the lives of Rachel’s House residents, but in the life of her family as well. She is a foundation part of what this community is about.