Services
What can we offer?
Trauma-Informed Services through the lens of Reentry and Recovery:
A recent study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that mental illness and substance use impact close to 8 million people in the United States alone. Substance use has a long history as a significant social issue affecting the functioning of communities, families, and individuals as a coping mechanism for dealing with the difficulties that arise throughout the course of life. The relationship that exists between trauma exposure, menta illness, substance use disorder, and incarceration may be difficult to assess, but recent studies have revealed psychological stress to be a mediator between traumatic experiences and substance use (Boughner & Frewen 2016).
The criminalization of substance use by many American states has elicited a negative stigma towards those suffering from substance use disorder. One study showed that 75% of those surveyed in the prison system, who abused substances, were found to have experienced a least one traumatic childhood event (Calmes et al, 2013). Traumatic exposure is not specific to childhood and can affect people at any stage of life producing negative coping mechanisms such as substance use.
Research indicates that three quarters of the over 600,000 people that reenter society annually from some form of incarceration will be reincarcerated within five years of release (Bureau of Justice Statistics). Much of this is attributed to those being released lacking access to one or all of the three core needs: housing, employment, and a healthy community. Damascus Way Reentry and Recovery Center offers these services to each of our residents to gain additional recovery capital and connection in the community. We also host recovery support groups, bible studies, worship services, ongoing educational opportunities and leadership development courses.
Our services do not conclude after an individual exits our program. We provide space for alumni to continue building relationships with those whom we serve. In addition, we also offer peer recovery services to provide additional support while they continue their recovery and reentry journey. Our continuum of care includes an integrative service model that leads to a high likelihood of authentic transformation mirroring that of the Apostle Paul on his Damascus Way experience.
Housing Pathway
Housing is a core need for individuals on their path toward recovery, freedom, and stability. Many persons face the danger of being exposed to unhealthy circumstances that result in substance use and other risky behaviors. In addition, returning citizens encounter obstacles that make finding housing extremely difficult. Our goal is to help people progress toward sustainable housing and homeownership that ultimately contribute to more secure and healthy communities. Damascus Way offers comprehensive housing support, access to resources, and connections to peer recovery services.
Our Rochester Apartments are now accepting new applicants. Please carefully review our application form if you are interested:
Employment and Career Readiness
Employment and career readiness are an important part of successful recovery from substance use disorder and reentry populations. Peer Recovery Specialists and Coordinators are trained to provide education, resources, advocacy and career planning services to individuals in recovery. This includes helping individuals create a career and aftercare plan, providing job search techniques and resume writing, as well as creating connection with employers who are willing to hire individuals in recovery and reentry. With our support system, individuals in recovery can find meaningful employment that will help them maintain their sobriety, reach their goals and connect with the communities they are entering.
Community Connection
Community connection and integration have been found to be essential for reentry populations and those in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. When individuals have healthy connections with their peers, family, and the community at large, they can better access the needed resources on the path to recovery.
- Peer recovery specialists and coordinators play an important role in helping individuals build strong connections within their communities. They provide guidance on how to develop meaningful relationships that will help individuals stay connected to the resources they need during their recovery journey. Additionally, peer specialists and coordinators can help individuals identify sources of “recovery capital” such as mentors or support groups that may be beneficial in maintaining a successful reentry into society.
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