For over fifty years, Damascus Way has remained steadfast in its mission to walk alongside individuals impacted by multi-generational incarceration and substance use disorder (SUD). What began as a humble outreach rooted in jail ministry has grown into a robust and Christ-centered reentry and recovery organization serving communities throughout Minnesota. With a rich legacy of compassion and a dedication to holistic support, Damascus Way now offers comprehensive peer recovery services in Hennepin, Scott, and Olmsted counties. We provide strategic guidance in housing, employment, and mental wellness—ensuring individuals rejoining society have the support they need to thrive. Our work is fueled by deep community engagement. We prioritize collaboration with stakeholders, residents, and recovery partners to shape programs that are relevant, effective, and life-giving. Inclusivity is central to our approach: we meet each person where they are, with open arms and with a vision for multigenerational transformation.
Our foundation is built on the Christ-centered belief that every person carries inherent dignity and is worthy of love and transformation. We embrace each individual’s unique spiritual and recovery journey—regardless of ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, parental role, or personal circumstance.
Through our E3 Recovery Services, we offer client-driven support tailored to each person's needs—not restricted by program design or faith-based structure, but led by the values of compassion, empowerment, community, and discipleship. At Damascus Way, long-term recovery and holistic life transformation isn’t just the goal—it’s the heart of our mission
At Damascus Way, our multigenerational approach to reentry and recovery is grounded in the belief that every individual and family—regardless of background—is endowed with inherent dignity and purpose. As a client-centered organization, we recognize that each person and family walks a unique spiritual journey. Rooted in our belief in the person of Jesus Christ, we serve with a Christ-centered approach that reflects the transformative power of God’s love to each unique individual and family.
Through compassion, empowerment, community, and discipleship, our services are designed to bring lasting transformation by addressing both practical needs and spiritual growth. Our Gospel-Centered Approach includes:
Building resilience and wholeness through Christ-centered guidance
Providing tools and encouragement for freedom from addiction
Strengthening bonds with support tailored to all generations
Creating safe spaces for healing with sensitivity and care
Fostering healing through transforming relationships
Restoring stability through job readiness and housing opportunities
Fostering relationships through faith-based and community collaboration
Honoring individual journeys with customized support
It was on this road that the Apostle Paul experienced life changing transformation. Since then, the phrase the “Damascus Road experience” has symbolized a time in a person’s life when they come to the end of themselves and begin a new way of living. Damascus Way desires to be a place where people that have come to the end of themselves and desire a new direction come and experience “The Road to Freedom.” Some have even described us as their newly formed family! Our vision is to foster holistic family transformation and restoration for those impacted by multigenerational incarceration and substance use.
Our vision is to foster holistic family transformation and restoration for those impacted by multigenerational incarceration and substance use.
At Damascus Way, people have always come first. We honor the human experience—every story of struggle, healing, and redemption. We recognize the sacred nature of recovery, where each step forward is a testament to courage and renewal. There are also times that a step back must be embraced with an extended arm that comes from our amazing team at Damascus Way. We celebrate the transformative power of connection: regaining one’s life, forming new relationships, and experiencing hope in even the smallest moments. Each resident or participant is met with compassion and encouragement, surrounded by a community that believes in their worth and their potential.
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It unfolds within the embrace of others walking the same road. That’s why Damascus Way fosters a space where love, grace, and support fuel meaningful change, and where every person can see the possibilities that lie ahead. Together we are committed to a “Road of Freedom”
Our mission is to break the cycle of multigenerational incarceration and substance use by intervening and preventing the root causes through evidence-based, Christ-centered services. We are committed to empowering families with the tools and support needed to create pathways to healing, hope, and lasting transformation.
Excellence in: Compassion-Empowerment-Community-Discipleship
Our focus on Capacity & Infrastructure aims to enhance our organizational framework to effectively support families impacted by multigenerational incarceration. We will invest in developing robust systems, scalable programs, and a skilled team to deliver our evidence-based, Christ-centered services. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, we will ensure our resources are aligned with our mission, enabling us to meet the diverse needs of the families we serve. This strategic pillar will empower us to expand our reach, strengthen our impact, and sustain our initiatives for long-term transformation and restoration.
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” – Proverbs 24:3-4 NIV
Our Long-term Sustainability pillar focuses on ensuring the enduring impact and viability of our mission to support families affected by multigenerational incarceration. We will implement diversified funding sources, build strong community partnerships, and develop innovative programs that respond to evolving needs. By prioritizing financial health, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, we aim to create a resilient organization that can adapt and thrive over time. This commitment to sustainability will enable us to continually empower families, foster transformation, and drive lasting change within the communities we serve.
"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5 NIV
Our Excellence In Evidence-Based Services pillar is dedicated to delivering the highest quality programs that are grounded in research and proven methodologies. We commit to continuously evaluating and refining our services to ensure they effectively address the root causes of multigenerational incarceration. By leveraging data-driven insights and best practices, we will equip our team with the tools and training necessary to implement impactful interventions. This focus on excellence ensures that we provide families with the support they need for healing and transformation, ultimately fostering sustainable change and resilience within their lives and communities.
"Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” – Proverbs 22:29 NIV
Our Policy & Legislative Advocacy & Community Education pillar is dedicated to advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of multigenerational incarceration. We aim to engage with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to influence legislation and policies that promote restorative justice, equitable opportunities, and support for affected families. By leveraging our insights and experiences, we will work to dismantle barriers and create a more just and inclusive system. This strategic focus will empower us to drive meaningful change at the community and policy levels, ensuring that families have access to the resources and support necessary for Christ-centered transformation.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV